Honda is taking its hydrogen technology to new heights, literally. The automaker has announced a partnership with space tech companies Sierra Space and Tec-Masters to test its high-differential pressure water electrolysis system on the International Space Station (ISS). The goal is to support life on the Moon and elsewhere in space using regenerative fuel cell technology that continuously produces hydrogen, oxygen, and electricity.

This move marks a significant departure from Honda's traditional focus on passenger cars, where hydrogen has struggled to gain traction due to fueling challenges and pricing pressures. However, the company remains bullish on hydrogen, aiming to decarbonize its vehicle fleet by 2040. By testing its technology in space, Honda hopes to prove its utility on Earth and pave the way for a human settlement on the lunar surface.

The system works by using electricity generated by solar panels to produce hydrogen and oxygen from water during the lunar day. When the Moon rotates away from the Sun, some of the oxygen is used for astronauts, with the rest generating electricity. The only byproduct of the electrolysis process is water, which is recycled back into the regenerative system, creating a closed-loop energy cycle.

Honda's vision for its hydrogen-powered regenerative system is ambitious, with the company envisioning it as part of a human settlement on the Moon. However, the technology also has implications for Earth, where it could provide a reliable source of clean energy. By stress-testing the technology in the microgravity environment of the ISS, Honda aims to demonstrate its feasibility and pave the way for widespread adoption.

The partnership with Sierra Space and Tec-Masters will see Honda's equipment transported to the ISS on Sierra Space's Dream Chaser spaceplane, with Tec-Masters providing expertise on ISS technology. The test is a crucial step towards establishing a reliable source of oxygen and electricity in space, which is essential for sustaining human life beyond Earth.

The use of electrolysis to sustain life in space is not new, but Honda's approach is unique in its focus on regenerative fuel cell technology. Previous studies have shown that low gravity environments can affect the gas-evolving process, with one study concluding that around 11 percent less oxygen is created through electrolysis in a lunar environment compared to Earth's gravity. Honda's technology aims to overcome these challenges and provide a reliable source of oxygen and electricity in space.

As space travel becomes increasingly accessible, the need for sustainable energy solutions in space is growing. Honda's partnership with Sierra Space and Tec-Masters marks a significant step towards establishing a human presence beyond Earth, and its implications for the future of space exploration are vast.

With its eyes firmly fixed on the stars, Honda is taking a bold step into the unknown. As the company works towards establishing a human settlement on the Moon, its hydrogen technology could play a crucial role in shaping the future of space exploration and beyond.