Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Environment & Energy

OKIsItJustMe

(22,024 posts)

2. Ironically,

Reply to thought crime (Reply #1)

Sun May 3, 2026, 09:22 PM

Sunday

https://www.science.org/content/article/breakthrough-2025

…

So far, this is not a story of new technology. China is “more or less relying on the same core [solar] technology that the United States invented half a century ago,” Li says. In those days the U.S. made boutique panels for spacecraft; now, China makes them for the world—better, vastly cheaper, and in staggering quantities.

…

Honestly, none of these technologies (including fuel cells) are new.

The Mercury missions used batteries for on-board electrical power. The longer-duration Gemini missions required fuel cells. Apollo continued to use fuel cells.

When Skylab (our first space station) was put into orbit, it was powered by solar panels.

Gerry Ford started serious development of ground-based solar power. Jimmy Carter expanded the program. Saint Ronnie axed it.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

thought crime

5 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Towngas launches Hong Kong's first hydrogen-powered EV charging system for a commercial building [View all] Caribbeans Sunday OP

China's companies quietly build the foundations of the new economy thought crime Sunday #1

Ironically, OKIsItJustMe Sunday #2

50 years of fuel cells started with NASA's Gemini 5 OKIsItJustMe Sunday #3

Technically, not new thought crime Sunday #4

More power to 'em OKIsItJustMe Monday #5