Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. successfully executed itsNASA Space Technology Mission Directorate, (STMD),-funded, Advanced Modular Power and Energy System (AMPES) Tipping Point fuel cell experiment on Blue Origin's New Shepard 24 sub-orbital launch. Final review of data is required but initial indications are the system generated required power throughout the entire flight as designed, even operating in 3 minutes of microgravity.
The AMPES system is a scalable modular system that employs Infinity’s patented non-flow through, air-independent fuel cell technology. The technology could be used to power landers, rovers, surface equipment and habitats on the moon or Mars.
Infinity's CEO, William Smith, expressed his gratitude to the team, saying, “To my knowledge this is the first fuel cell to fly in space since Shuttle Orbiter was retired in 2011. The USA is back in space with fuel cells!”
Max Aronow, Infinity's Principal Engineer overseeing the Tipping Point Program, shared the news with Infinity employees after the payload was recovered: “This project has been a long road, and every single person at Infinity played some type of role in its success."
The successful deployment of the system showcased the Infinity fuel cell’s ability to generate power and water, function in microgravity, and navigate various rigorous requirements set by Blue Origin and NASA. It had to absorb its own waste heat, provide its own load, provide its own hydrogen and oxygen, startup remotely after being stored, run automatically, pass EMI requirements, and survive NASA shock, vibration, and T-Vac testing. It had to do this while fitting into its own small locker, meeting tight mass and volume requirements.
The launch was a groundbreaking achievement signaling an important forward in space technology and stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the NASA Infinity and Blue Origin team effort. www.infinityfuel.com
Blue Origin’s livestream recording of the event is: Replay: New Shepard Mission NS-24 Webcast
Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. Tipping Point Fuel Cell takes a 2nd Voyage on Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-24 launch.
