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KF5JRV > TECH 31.12.16 14:29l 9 Lines 912 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 7914_KF5JRV
Read: GUEST
Subj: NASA Fuel Cells
Path: IW8PGT<CX2SA<N0KFQ<KF5JRV
Sent: 161231/1216Z 7914@KF5JRV.#NWAR.AR.USA.NA BPQK6.0.13
During the early 1960s, General Electric produced the fuel-cell-based electrical power system for NASA's Gemini and Apollo space capsules. General Electric used the principles found in the "Bacon Cell" as the basis of its design. Today, the Space Shuttle's electricity was provided by fuel cells, and the same fuel cells provided drinking water for the crew.
NASA decided that using nuclear reactors was too high a risk, and using batteries or solar power was too bulky to use in space vehicles. NASA has funded more than 200 research contracts exploring fuel-cell technology, bringing the technology to a level now viable for the private sector.
The first bus powered by a fuel cell was completed in 1993, and several fuel-cell cars are now being built in Europe and in the United States. Daimler Benz and Toyota launched prototype fuel-cell powered cars in 1997.
73 Scott KF5JRV
KF5JRV.#NWAR.AR.USA.NA
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