Development of oxygen generation system for a long manned mission-a solid polymer water electrolysis system

An oxygen generation system (OGS) is an indispensable system for a long manned space mission and water electrolysis technology is considered to be suitable for space applications. A solid polymer water electrolysis system (SPWES) has been developing by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. for a future space mission since 1985. The authors have been studying OGS concerning a new solid polymer electrolyte and simplified cell structure. This paper describes OGS development status and the endurance performance of a SPWES cell at ambient pressure as well as test results related to the development activity of a pressure cell module.