The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a fuel cell that uses hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity in space.
This fuel cell was sent to space on the fourth stage of the PSLV on January 1. It generated 180W power.
These cells will be very useful for human space missions because they produce heat and water as byproducts. It means that a single system can be used for multiple requirements of the mission.
This fuel cell has been designed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). It is a precursor to the future power systems for space stations.
The cell uses a silicon-graphite composite, while conventional Li-ion cells use pure graphite as an anode.
The cell’s ability to survive and perform in the harsh environments of space has been checked during onboarding on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM).
