Moon Oxygen: Honda Hydrogen Electrolysis System To Be Tested On The ISS Soon

The Honda hydrogen electrolysis system is a crucial step in the automobile manufacturer’s dream to support life on the Moon. This system, which is in development, is waiting for testing in the microgravity environment on the ISS to determine if it’s ready for use on the Moon.

Honda Relies On Hydrogen To Support Life On The Moon

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and its uses cut across various areas such as power generation. Japanese automobile manufacturer Honda is now looking to this element to power its regenerative fuel cell technology that it hopes will be able to support life on the Moon.

The coming years will bring more lunar exploration missions and various firms across the world are looking to support these missions. These firms are drawing on their technological know-how to develop technology that will be crucial to lunar exploration or living on the Moon.

Honda is one such firm, and now it is looking to partner with Sierra Space and Tec-Masters to test its new hydrogen electrolysis system on the ISS. This test must be done on the ISS, as it will help give a better picture of how it will function on the Moon once ready for usage.

Honda will conduct this test in the microgravity environment on the ISS, which will mimic conditions on the lunar surface. Honda is designing this system to help provide electricity and oxygen on the Moon to cater to the needs of lunar explorers on missions in space.

The automobile manufacturer seems to be confident in its technology, hence the desire to test it aboard the ISS. But how exactly does this technology work and how will the partnership with Sierra Space and Tec-Masters play out?

How Does The Honda Hydrogen Electrolysis System Work?

Honda is designing this system to work at generating oxygen and electricity during the lunar day and night. During the lunar day when the Moon is facing the sun, the system will rely on solar energy.

This energy will help the system to produce hydrogen and oxygen from water through a process known as electrolysis. During the lunar night when the Moon rotates away from the Sun, the system will then rely on the hydrogen and oxygen generated by day to produce electricity.

Some of the oxygen from the system will be in use by astronauts on the Moon. The byproduct of this system water will then be recycled back into the regenerative system for reuse.

Sierra Space will provide Honda with its Dream Chaser spaceplane to transport the hydrogen electrolysis system to the ISS. Tec-Masters will provide the technology expertise in testing this system on the ISS once available.