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Press Release

Blue Origin Licenses Nimbus Power Systems’ Fuel Cell Technology for Development of Space Power Systems

Published by Todd Bush on December 13, 2024

Nimbus and Blue Origin to accelerate in-space and lunar fuel cell product development

GROTON, Conn.--Nimbus Power Systems, Inc., a pioneering developer of advanced fuel cell technologies for heavy-duty vehicles, today 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.

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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.”

For more information about Nimbus Power Systems visit nimbuspowersystems.com.

About Nimbus Power Systems:

Nimbus Power Systems Inc. is a Groton, CT, USA company developing zero-emission, fuel cell systems for the heavy-duty mobility and stationary power markets. The company’s primary mission is to provide uncompromising zero-emission replacements for heavy-duty engines currently serving these markets while serving adjacent markets, including space applications, via license and support agreements.

About Blue Origin:

We are building a road to space for the benefit of Earth, humanity’s blue origin. Our team is focused on radically reducing the cost of access to space and harnessing its vast resources while mobilizing future generations to realize this mission. Blue Origin builds and operates reusable rocket engines, launch vehicles, in-space systems, and lunar landers. Discover more at BlueOrigin.com.

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