Pittsburgh: Honda has agreed to provide its regenerative fuel cell system to US space company Astrobotic Technology for developing a power solution for lunar surface missions. Honda announced that its system will be integrated into Astrobotic's solar-powered system to ensure continuous power supply, even during the prolonged periods of darkness on the Moon.

According to Anadolu Agency, Honda's regenerative fuel cell system can store solar power as hydrogen during lunar daylight and convert it to electricity during the lunar night, which lasts about 14 Earth days. Derek Adelman, chief engineer at American Honda Motor's Space Development Division, highlighted that the collaboration represents a significant step toward creating scalable power solutions for long-term lunar missions.

Derek emphasized that powered by Honda's core technologies, the regenerative fuel cell system is designed for efficient energy storage and regeneration. This will support sustained human life on the Moon and advance zero-emission applications on Earth. Bobby Rolley, Astrobotic's lunar power systems architect, remarked that the partnership is a crucial advancement toward enabling survival during the harsh lunar night and extending mission durations from days to years.

Astrobotic, established in 2007 in Pittsburgh, has been contracted for two lunar missions. Honda Motor, known for producing hydrogen-powered vehicles, established the Space Development Division at its American unit in late 2024.