The launch of the space shuttle Atlantis was aided by a mobile lighting system powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

Although not involved with the launch itself, an advanced, proprietary Light Emitting Plasma (LEP) lighting system was used in the press area.

In addition, the 2.5kW of auxiliary power was used to recharge camera battery packs for a number of photographers.

The system is the work of Sandia National Laboratories, with support from the US Department of Energy and Boeing.

Sandia researchers estimate that a single hydrogen fuel cell lighting system would offset 900 gallons of diesel fuel per year and completely eliminate soot, nitrogen-oxide and carbon-dioxide emissions.

"This hydrogen fuel cell-powered mobile lighting system has the very real potential to drastically reduce dependence on diesel-fuelled mobile lighting across the United States and abroad," said Lennie Klebanoff, Sandia's project lead.

Deployment at the shuttle launch is the latest in a series of "high-profile" tests where the system has been used, Sandia said in a statement.

Source:

Fuel Cell Lighting at Final NASA Shuttle Launch (15/07/11)

© Adfero Ltd