Apollo Energy Systems' Batteries/Fuel Cells Used for Mars Vehicles

Apollo Energy Systems Inc.'s (AES, Fort Lauderdale, FL) Apollo Alkaline Fuel Cells and Apollo Lead-Cobalt Batteries will be used on the first-generation Mars Manned Rover, called the EVEREST, which will be shown at the Mars Society Convention at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA, from August 23 to 26, 2001.

The propulsion system for the second generation vehicle, the OLYMPUS, is currently being designed by AES. It will have a top speed of 40mph, acceleration from 0mph to 40mph in 15 seconds, will climb a 45-degree grade at 15mph and will have a range of 600 miles before refilling the oxygen and hydrogen tanks. It will be completely free of all harmful emissions.

The large areas of geothermal heated water that scientists believe exist under the planet's icy surface, can be turned into the oxygen and hydrogen needed to power the Apollo Fuel Cells which will keep the Lead-Cobalt Propulsion Batteries charged.