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Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
Develop and demonstrate advanced Regenerative Fuel Cell (RFC) technologies that meet NASA's space exploration needs for safe, abundant, reliable, and lightweight power generation and energy storage through the use of innovative passive components such as non-flow-through fuel cells and passive, liquid-feed electrolyzers.
The objective of the regenerative fuel cell project element is to develop power and energy storage technologies that enable new capabilities for future human space exploration missions. Abundant power expands the capabilities of every human mission, including missions to asteroids, planets, moons, libration points, and orbiting structures. Furthermore, abundant power provides benefits for all phases of flight: vehicle operations, electric propulsion systems, and destination applications.
Development of high powered energy storage capabilities, such as regenerative fuel cells, can fulfill the
strategic goals for NASA, by developing radical, high payoff technologies and enabling missions
otherwise energy‐prohibitive.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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