Batteries and Fuel Cells in Space

Abstract

The year 2000 will mark the 44th anniversary of the space program that began with the launch of the first Sputnik on October 4, 1956. Tremendous progress has been made in the exploration of space since the late 50s. Thanks to the flexibility and capability of batteries and fuel cells, NASA and the U.S. Air Force (USAF) have been able to accomplish a wide range of challenging space missions.