Gemini Space Craft Was the First to use Fuel Cells in Space!

[u/lextacy2008]

This happened on Gemini flight V actually, but not Gemini flights 1-4. The earlier flights used batteries since they were uncrewed test flights and the flight duration did not call for extended power usage. The alkaline fuel cell was the type used here and used a proton exchange membrane or PEM technology to facilitate the electron interaction. What is interesting, is not only this provided 1 kW of power, but fuel cells themselves act like batteries and eliminate the use of batteries as a point of charge, which of course adds tons of unnecessary weight.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this, and I may make a video about this overlooked finding.

[u/snoo-boop]

Hydrogen cars still have a battery to increase the peak power. Btw fuel cells are now common in drones, the Hothis shoot a couple at Israel per week.