Honda R&D Joins Forces with Sierra Space and Tec-Masters for ISS Testing

Today, Honda R&D revealed its intention to conduct tests of a high-pressure water electrolysis system aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This initiative will be carried out alongside prominent aerospace company Sierra Space and technological firm Tec-Masters. This endeavor forms part of Honda’s ambition to develop an innovative regenerative fuel cell system designed to offer robust energy storage solutions suitable for sustaining human presence on the moon.

Regenerative Fuel Cell System for Space Exploration Honda is utilizing its extensive experience with hydrogen fuel cells from over the years to create a regenerative fuel cell system, referred to as a circulative renewable energy system This system will consistently generate oxygen, hydrogen, and electricity. Honda imagines this recyclable renewable energy system becoming an integral part of human settlement infrastructure on the Moon—leveraging the readily available resources of solar light and water. Enhancing the efficiency of this recycling renewable energy setup could lead to advancements in long-lasting regenerative fuel cells, which have potential as adaptable, eco-friendly power sources applicable both in outer space and here on Earth.

Throughout the lunar day, the system will utilize solar-generated electricity to facilitate the process. Honda’s advanced high-pressure water electrolysis system will subsequently extract hydrogen and oxygen from water.

Throughout the lunar night, when sunlight does not reach the moon, part of the available oxygen will be utilized by astronauts for respiration. The Honda fuel cell system will then employ the leftover oxygen, together with the hydrogen generated during the lunar day, to produce electrical power.

Once the fuel cells produce electricity, their sole output is water, which gets recirculated into the water electrolysis setup to form an enclosed energy loop. The mechanism functions akin to residential solar systems on Earth; during daylight hours, solar-generated electricity is captured, with surplus power being stashed away in household battery units for nighttime usage.

International Space Station Testing Honda has created a sophisticated water electrolysis technology aimed at facilitating prolonged activities on the Moon with a focus on efficiency and dependability. This setup’s slim profile and light weight tackle the key challenge of lowering expenses related to transporting equipment for lunar endeavors. Moreover, because it operates without mechanical compressors, this system requires less upkeep, boosting its resilience during lengthy space missions. It further decreases the necessity for numerous bulky gas cylinders by allowing gases to be stored under higher pressure within more compact vessels.

Honda plans to test the main component of its advanced high-pressure water electrolysis system to confirm its performance and dependability under the low-gravity conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In this endeavor, Honda is partnering with Sierra Space, an industry leader known for pushing boundaries in commercial space activities, along with Tec-Masters, which specializes in cutting-edge scientific technologies. As the principal mission organizer, Sierra Space will collaborate with NASA to deliver supplies using their Dream Chaser® spacecraft—the sole commercially available spaceplane globally. Meanwhile, Tec-Masters will serve as the authority on ISS-related tech expertise.