Nimbus Power Systems, Inc., a pioneering developer of advanced fuel cell technologies for heavy-duty vehicles, announced the successful completion of a fuel cell technology licensing agreement with Blue Origin to facilitate electric power and potable water production in space applications. Nimbus’ unique fuel cell technology features gravity and momentum independent water management, a critical enabler of fuel cell power production in space environments.

Fuel cells for space applications react oxygen and hydrogen to produce electricity, heat, and potable water, three vital resources for crewed space operations. The water produced in fuel cells for terrestrial applications is frequently managed using a combination of gravitational and reactant momentum forces – both limited or unavailable in space applications. Nimbus’ unique water management technology removes product water via a combination of capillary and hydraulic forces that are uncompromised by the space environment. This water management advantage decreases system complexity and offers significant weight savings, resulting in more reliable and affordable space operations.

 “Blue Origin and Nimbus Power Systems are collaborating on advanced Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology specifically tailored to space applications,” said John Couluris, Senior Vice President of Lunar Permanence at Blue Origin. “Working with Nimbus leverages the latest advances in their terrestrial fuel cell technology to accelerate Blue Origin’s in-house fuel cell solutions for in-space and lunar products.”

“Nimbus’ fuel cell technology traces its roots back to the crewed Gemini space flights, where reliable operation under zero gravity was first demonstrated,” said Michael Gorman, CEO of Nimbus Power Systems. “This collaboration with Blue Origin combines decades of fuel cell technology advancements, with state-of-the-art crewed space flight systems to serve the rapidly growing market for affordable space products and services. We are delighted that our dual-use fuel cell technology will support terrestrial and aerospace applications for years to come.”