Sierra Space and Honda collaborate to develop energy solutions in space

Sierra Space, which has already successfully extracted oxygen from the Moon, has been chosen to carry out Honda's project. The American company, valued at $5.3 billion, will act as mission manager, in collaboration with NASA and CASIS (Center for the Advancement of Science in Space). The aim is to transport Honda's electrolysis system (the process of breaking down water into oxygen and dihydrogen gas) aboard the Dream Chaser, the vehicle developed by Sierra Space, to the International Space Station (ISS). The Dream Chaser is capable of carrying over 6 tonnes of cargo and returning to Earth smoothly, which is essential for preserving sensitive payloads.

Testing Honda's electrolysis system in the microgravity environment of the ISS is crucial to validate its efficiency and reliability in space conditions. This will help determine whether the technology can be used for long-term lunar missions and, potentially, for terrestrial applications as a clean, renewable energy solution.

Sierra Space brings to this mission its ability to manage complex space operations, its experience in payload integration and its dedicated mission infrastructure. This partnership is in line with Sierra Space's broader objectives of developing advanced space technologies and contributing to the establishment of a sustainable space economy. The American company has designed Orbital Reef, a future commercial space station developed in partnership with Blue Origin. The company's ambition is to play a key role in the space economy of the future, combining orbital transportation, space habitat and in-orbit commercial services.

Honda is currently developing a regenerative fuel cell system for the continuous production of oxygen, hydrogen and electricity. The fuel cell is designed to support human life on the Moon using locally available solar energy and water. The process involves electrolyzing water to generate hydrogen and oxygen, then using these gases to generate electricity, with water as the only by-product, thus creating a closed energy cycle.