Honda has announced that it has signed a research and development contract with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency regarding the “circulative renewable energy system” that is designed to supply electricity to maintain the functionality of the living space and various systems of lunar rovers.
The contract will see, Honda be commissioned by JAXA to first conduct concept studies, then to develop a “breadboard model,” the early-stage prototype, by the end of the Japanese 2023 fiscal year which is March 31st, 2024.
The circulative renewable energy system will utilise Honda’s original high differential pressure water electrolysis system and a fuel cell system, and is designed for continuous production of oxygen, hydrogen and electricity from solar energy and water.
Back in November 2020, JAXA and Honda signed a joint research agreement which saw Honda pursue research on circulative renewable energy system for use on the surface of the Moon.
The signing of this new R&D contract represents another step forward for Honda.
Press release and picture: Honda
