Gemini space vehicles

The PEFC was first developed for the Gemini space vehicle by General Electric, USA. In this fuel cell type, the electrolyte is an ion-exchange membrane, specifically, a fluorinated sulfonic acid polymer or other similar solid polymer. In general, the polymer consists of a polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) backbone with a perfluorinated side chain that is terminated with a sulfonic acid group, which is an outstanding proton conductor. Hydration of the membrane yields dissociation and solvation of the proton of the acid group, since the solvated protons are mobile within the polymer. Subsequently, the only liquid necessary for the operation of this fuel cell type is water [7,8],... 

These cells are also known as solid polymer fuel cells (SPFC) (Fig. 1.9). These fuel cells were used in NASA Gemini Spacecraft (manned space vehicles) and were developed in 1960 by General Electric (USA). The following key features of PEMFC make them very popular ... 

Project Gemini showed the capability of conducting space flights up to two weeks in duration. This project also showed that it was possible for a spacecraft to rendezvous with other orbiting vehicles and to precisely and safely enter the atmosphere and land at a preselected point on earth. Gemini involved 10 flights with two-man crews. 

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