Regenerative Fuel Cell Project
NASA’s Regenerative Fuel Cell Project develops rechargeable hydrogen-and-oxygen energy storage for lunar surface operations. NASA Glenn designed and assembled the laboratory system, completing initial tests in 2025. In May 2026, researchers were preparing complete-system tests that would store the gases generated during recharge for the first time. Fuel-cell discharge produces electricity, heat and water; externally powered electrolysis regenerates the reactants. Intended applications include habitats and rovers through long lunar nights. Harsher environmental testing remained ahead of a lunar mission. The Space Technology Mission Directorate funds the work through Game Changing Development.
Identity
- Aliases
- Regenerative Fuel CellRegenerative Fuel Cell (RFC)RFC ProjectRFC
- Domains
- spaceflight
- Name
- Regenerative Fuel Cell Project
- Status
- active
- Types
- developmentinfrastructureresearchoperations
Details
- Description
- NASA’s Regenerative Fuel Cell Project develops rechargeable hydrogen-and-oxygen energy storage for lunar surface operations. NASA Glenn designed and assembled the laboratory system, completing initial tests in 2025. In May 2026, researchers were preparing complete-system tests that would store the gases generated during recharge for the first time. Fuel-cell discharge produces electricity, heat and water; externally powered electrolysis regenerates the reactants. Intended applications include habitats and rovers through long lunar nights. Harsher environmental testing remained ahead of a lunar mission. The Space Technology Mission Directorate funds the work through Game Changing Development.
- Leads
- Parent Program
- Participants
Assets & Meta
- Creation Time
- August 14, 2026 at 00:38:25 UTC
- Updated Time
- October 29, 2026 at 15:49:56 UTC
- Image
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