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TechCrunch
TechCrunch
1M ago 22 views

Honda and Astrobotic team up to keep the lights on through the long lunar night

Honda and Astrobotic are partnering to explore a regenerative fuel cell system for continuous lunar power during the Moon's long nights.
Honda and Astrobotic team up to keep the lights on through the long lunar night
A What happened
Automotive giant Honda and lunar startup Astrobotic have announced a partnership to explore the use of a regenerative fuel cell (RFC) system to maintain power during the Moon's extended nights. The RFC will be integrated into Astrobotic's LunaGrid, which utilizes solar arrays for energy. The collaboration will involve illumination studies at potential lunar south pole landing sites, focusing on system scalability and integration. Honda's RFC stores solar energy as hydrogen during the lunar day and converts it back into electricity at night, producing water as a byproduct. This closed-loop energy cycle aims to ensure continuous power on the lunar surface, which is crucial for future exploration and potential human presence. The partnership aligns with Japan's space ambitions and NASA's Artemis program, which emphasizes the lunar south pole's significance due to its sunlight exposure and water ice reserves.

Key insights

  • 1

    Regenerative Fuel Cell Technology

    Honda's RFC aims to provide sustainable energy solutions for lunar exploration.

  • 2

    Astrobotic's LunaGrid

    Astrobotic's power system is designed to support lunar missions with scalable energy solutions.

  • 3

    Lunar Exploration Challenges

    Surviving the lunar night presents significant challenges for power systems.

Takeaways

The collaboration between Honda and Astrobotic represents a significant step towards sustainable lunar exploration.