Honda is testing hydrogen technology for space missions

Honda, together with Sierra Space and Tec-Masters, will test a high differential pressure water electrolysis system on the International Space Station (ISS). The project will aim to create a regenerative fuel system for the continuous production of hydrogen, oxygen and electricity.

The technology uses solar energy to electrolyze water, separating it into hydrogen and oxygen. During the lunar night, when solar energy is unavailable, the stored hydrogen and oxygen are used to generate electricity. The by-product of this process will be water: it is this water that produces the closed-loop system.

Microgravity tests will help evaluate the system's performance under space conditions. Honda plans to deliver the equipment to the station using Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spacecraft, with Tec-Masters acting as the ISS technology expert.

Ensuring a stable supply of oxygen and energy in space will be a key step toward creating viable habitats off Earth - especially now that deep space exploration is turning from an ambitious idea into a realistic prospect.