Fuel-Cell Power Source Based on Onboard Rocket Propellants

This high-energy density power source is an alternative to radioisotopes or primary batteries.

The use of onboard rocket propellants (dense liquids at room temperature) in place of conventional cryogenic fuel-cell reactants (hydrogen and oxygen) eliminates the mass penalties associated with cryocooling and boil-off. The high energy content and density of the rocket propellants will also require no additional chemical processing.