Japan’s
Honda Motor Co., through its American subsidiary, has entered into
a partnership with Astrobotic Technology Inc. to test its
regenerative fuel cell system on the Moon, according to a company
press release. The collaboration aims to advance technology capable
of supporting human presence on the lunar surface for prolonged
periods.
Honda’s
system is designed to generate oxygen, hydrogen, and electricity
using solar energy and water. Integrated with Astrobotic’s
solar-powered platform, it is intended to provide a steady energy
supply during the lengthy lunar nights, which last about 14 Earth
days. The system stores solar energy as hydrogen during daylight
and converts it into electricity at night, with water as the only
byproduct, which can then be recycled.
Astrobotic’s
lunar power systems architect, Bobby Rolley, described the
partnership as a major step towards ensuring survival in the Moon’s
challenging environment and extending mission timelines from days
to years. Derek Adelman, chief engineer at Honda’s Space
Development Division, said the collaboration represents an
important milestone in creating scalable energy solutions for
long-term lunar operations.
Founded
in 2007 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Astrobotic has contracts
for two lunar missions. Honda established its Space Development
Division in late 2024 to strengthen its role in the US space
industry.
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