Honda to test clean energy system which could help sustain life on the moon

• Honda has developed a high-differential pressure water electrolysis system aimed at supporting long-term lunar missions and sustainable energy use on Earth. The system forms part of a regenerative fuel cell capable of producing electricity, hydrogen, and oxygen continuously in space.
• This technology operates by using solar energy during the lunar day to extract gases from water, then uses those gases at night to generate power and breathable air — recycling water as the only byproduct.
• To validate its performance outside Earth’s atmosphere, Honda will test the system on the International Space Station in partnership with Tec-Masters and Sierra Space before adapting it for use on the moon.

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Honda is preparing to test a new clean energy system that could support long-term human presence on the moon and contribute to sustainable energy solutions on Earth. The Japanese automaker has developed a high-differential pressure water electrolysis system as part of a broader effort to create a regenerative fuel cell capable of continuously producing electricity, hydrogen and oxygen in space.

How does Honda’s energy system work?

During the lunar day, the system is designed to harness solar energy to extract hydrogen and oxygen from water. At night, the stored gases would generate electricity and provide breathable oxygen for astronauts.

The only byproduct of this closed-loop process is water, which would be recycled for repeated use.

Will this system still be functional in space?

To assess the technology’s performance in space conditions, Honda has partnered with leading U.S. aerospace firms Tec-Masters and Sierra Space. Together, they plan to send the system to the International Space Station (ISS) for testing in a microgravity environment. This phase is considered crucial before adapting the system for future use on the moon.

What other space-related efforts has Honda been involved in?

The initiative comes as Honda has been expanding its role in space exploration.

In 2023, the company began collaborating with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in connection with NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustained human presence on the lunar surface.

Honda also established a Space Development Division at its North American headquarters last year to further support U.S.-based space research.

What happens next?

While the ISS trial involving Honda’s technology is expected to occur soon, an official launch date has not yet been announced.