NASA and Teledyne partner to develop lunar hydrogen power system

NASA is collaborating with Teledyne Energy Systems to advance the Hydrogen Electrical Power System (HEPS) for use in future lunar missions and deep space operations. The primary goal of this partnership is to mature the technology from its current state to a level suitable for operational space environments.

Unlike traditional hydrogen fuel cells that rely on oxygen from the surrounding atmosphere, the HEPS is designed to function without atmospheric air. This capability is critical for the Moon and deep space, where Earth-like atmospheres are unavailable. The system is intended to provide continuous power for lunar habitats, surface infrastructure, scientific instruments, and life support systems, particularly during periods of darkness or extreme temperatures.

The development process will utilize the technical expertise and testing infrastructure of NASA's Glenn and Johnson space centers. The collaboration aims to move the technology through specific maturity levels, transitioning it from laboratory testing to a prototype capable of demonstrating performance under conditions that simulate actual space missions.