This is one of three fuel cell power plants that produced electrical power for a space shuttle orbiter. They were located under the payload bay floor in the mid-fuselage behind the crew compartment. The fuel cell transformed hydrogen and oxygen into electricity in the top (power) section, and the accessory section at the bottom monitored the chemical reaction and temperature of the unit and also removed heat and water produced by the process. The water was stored in tanks for use by the onboard environmental control and life support system and the crew.
NASA transferred this extra orbiter fuel cell to the Museum in 2012 when the space shuttle program ended. Three other fuel cells remain installed inside the orbiter Discovery, on display at the Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Power Sources
Manufacturer
UTC Power
Dimensions
Approximate (Fuel Cell): 40.6 × 40.6 × 123.2cm (1 ft. 4 in. × 1 ft. 4 in. × 4 ft. 1/2 in.)
3-D (Barrel): 120.6 × 174cm (3 ft. 11 1/2 in. × 5 ft. 8 1/2 in.)
Approximate (Barrel, Printed on Container): 603.3kg (1330lb.)
Approximate (Fuel Cell): 35.6 × 38.1 × 101.6 × 30.5cm, 115.7kg (1 ft. 2 in. × 1 ft. 3 in. × 3 ft. 4 in. × 1 ft., 255lb.)
Materials
HAZMAT: Cadmium Plating
Unknown Contents (May Contain Freon 21 and Potassium Hydroxide)
Ferrous Alloy
Wood
Paint
Plastic
Uncharacterized Foam
Adhesive Tape
Rubber
Paper
Ink
Glass
Adhesive
Inventory Number
A20181719000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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