Honda, Sierra Space and Tec-Masters have joined forces to create hydrogen electrolysis units that operate in space conditions. On Earth, for a number of reasons, mass production of hydrogen is not yet in demand. Honda, which has staked on hydrogen as a fuel for cars, is forced to look for alternative options for implementing electrolysis units. In particular, as a source of oxygen and energy for extraterrestrial settlements.
Image source: Honda
Electrolysis units can operate on the Moon during the entire daylight hours, supplying the colony with oxygen and hydrogen using solar cells. Oxygen can be used partly for human breathing, but can also serve as an energy storage unit. Hydrogen will also be used to generate energy during the lunar night. In all cases, after the work in the energy cells has been done, the output will be water, which can again be subjected to electrolysis and decomposed into oxygen and hydrogen.
Previously, scientists have studied the possibility of using electrolysis to support life in space. It was found that low gravity has some effect on the process of gassing. In particular, a study published in 2022 showed that in the lunar environment, electrolysis would produce about 11% less oxygen than in Earth’s gravity. To further test this, Honda and its partners will deliver their electrolysis unit to the ISS, where it will be tested.
The installation will be created taking into account the experience of working in zero gravity of the Tec-Masters company. It will be delivered into space on the Dream Chaser space plane of the Sierra Space company. It is possible that the electrolysis system will operate on board the plane and will not directly get on board the space station. But this will not affect the conditions of the experiment. The details of the project are still unknown. However, the Dream Chaser plane has never flown into space and it is not yet ready for flights. The launch may take place later this year. Only after that can we expect the Honda electrolysis installation to be sent to the ISS.