By R. Anil Kumar
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the day of the new year hit another important milestone, along with the successful launch of XPoSAT.
- The space agency successfully tested the Fuel Cell Power System (FCPS)
- This takes India a step closer to realising the country’s ambition to establish the Indian Space Station
- The experiment was launched aboard the PSLV-C58 mission on January 1, 2024
- This innovative fuel cell technology is expected to be a game-changer for long-duration space missions
Bangalore, January 2. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), achieved yet another milestone by successfully launching a Fuel Cell Power System (FCPS) designed to test the power source for the upcoming Indian Space Station.
The experiment was launched aboard the PSLV-C58 mission that carried the XPoSat observatory to space.
ISRO chief S Somnath revealed the development following the successful launch of the XPoSat mission.
Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), a part of ISRO, this fuel cell is a new technology to pioneer a sustainable and efficient power source in space exploration.
The FCPS was launched aboard the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), which is essentially the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.
FCPS, a 100W payload, was flown out along with nine other payloads, in the fourth stage of the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM3) rocket, utilised by ISRO as a test bed.
The most significant payload, FCPS generates electricity to be used as a power source for the planned space station and also produces pure drinking water as a by-product, which would quench the astronauts’ thirst at the station.
This is the first time ISRO has experimented with fuel cells in space. “Oxygen and hydrogen stored under high pressure are passed through the fuel cell assembly, which spurs a chemical reaction that produces power and pure drinking water as a by-product, say Senior Scientists from the Space Agency.
“Having a water source on board is a must when it comes to building space stations. Fuel cells are ideal for both power generation and producing water, they stated.
ISRO is gearing up for the launch of the first module of the Indian Space Station by 2028 and making it fully operational by 2035.
Additionally, ISRO has also successfully tested silicone-based high energy cells (also developed by VSSC), which were among the payloads tested.
“These Lithium-ion cells containing Silicone-Graphite have an enhanced energy density, making them compact and lightweight. Once the technology is sufficiently developed, we can put it to use in our industries,” say Senior personnel in the Organisation.
Initially placed into a 650 km orbit with the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSAT) mission, the POEM fourth stage was subsequently lowered to a 350 km orbit through a series of controlled manoeuvres.
This strategic lowering of the orbit was crucial for maintaining the stability required for the onboard experiments, including the FCPS.
This innovative fuel cell technology is expected to be a game-changer for long-duration space missions. Unlike traditional power systems, fuel cells offer the advantage of converting chemical energy from fuels directly into electricity through electrochemical reactions, providing a much longer supply of electrical energy.
ISRO’s move to test the FCPS in the lower orbit is part of a broader strategy to validate technologies that will be critical for the success of the proposed Indian Space Station.
Slated to be established in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude ranging from 120 to 140 km, the space station is expected to serve as a platform for various microgravity experiments, contributing significantly to space science and technology.
The successful deployment and testing of the FCPS are indicative of ISRO’s forward-thinking approach to space exploration. By harnessing the potential of fuel cell technology, ISRO is not only paving the way for its ambitious space station project but also setting a precedent for sustainable practices in space missions.
