Fuel cells used in space applications generate electricity by reacting oxygen and hydrogen, producing heat and water as byproducts - resources essential for crewed missions. While terrestrial fuel cells rely on gravity and momentum for water management, such forces are largely unavailable in space. Nimbus addresses this challenge with a proprietary system that employs capillary and hydraulic forces to manage water, ensuring efficient operation in microgravity while reducing system complexity and weight.
"Blue Origin and Nimbus Power Systems are collaborating on advanced Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology specifically tailored to space applications," said John Couluris, Senior Vice President of Lunar Permanence at Blue Origin. "Working with Nimbus leverages the latest advances in their terrestrial fuel cell technology to accelerate Blue Origin's in-house fuel cell solutions for in-space and lunar products."
Michael Gorman, CEO of Nimbus Power Systems, highlighted the historical roots of their technology. "Nimbus' fuel cell technology traces its roots back to the crewed Gemini space flights, where reliable operation under zero gravity was first demonstrated," he said. "This collaboration with Blue Origin combines decades of fuel cell technology advancements with state-of-the-art crewed space flight systems to serve the rapidly growing market for affordable space products and services. We are delighted that our dual-use fuel cell technology will support terrestrial and aerospace applications for years to come."
Related Links
Nimbus Power Systems
Blue Origin
Space Technology News - Applications and Research
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