Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
NASA researchers at the Glenn Research Center are preparing to test a regenerative fuel cell system that could transform energy storage for future Artemis lunar missions. The system, about the size of a sedan and as tall as a person, uses hydrogen and oxygen gases to generate electricity and heat by recombining them into water. It then recharges by splitting the water back into hydrogen and oxygen on the lunar surface, operating like a rechargeable battery.
Lead engineer Dr. Kerrigan Cain said this technology could be ideal for habitats and rover exploration, matching the power and energy storage needs for a sustainable human presence on the Moon. It has the potential to weigh less while storing the same amount of energy as comparable battery systems and can operate during nearly two-week-long lunar nights when sunlight is unavailable. Its rechargeable design could allow astronauts to optimize resources and reduce reliance on Earth for supplies.
The current testing stage follows over five years of development, with initial assessments expected in 2025. The upcoming phase focuses on operating the complete system, including storing the hydrogen and oxygen gases produced during recharge for the first time. Tests are conducted remotely in a controlled laboratory environment, generating key data to address challenges and advance the technology toward lunar deployment.