The Netherlands Debut Liquid-Hydrogen Drone Flight
The Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) successfully conducted the first-ever flight of the HYDRA‑2 drone powered entirely by liquid hydrogen. The cryogenic, vacuum-insulated tank by Cryoworld enabled longer endurance and stability, outshining conventional battery-powered drones. This milestone underscores the real-world potential of hydrogen for sustainable aviation.
Liquid hydrogen has three to four times the energy density of kerosene, making it more attractive for aerospace applications. HYDRA-2 was built at the new Quick Response Drone Facility, which aims to accelerate aviation innovation. The long-term ambition is to bring liquid hydrogen propulsion to two-seater electric aircraft.
World’s Largest Hydrogen Sphere Filled to Fuel NASA’s Artemis Missions
Air Products has completed the first fill of the world’s largest liquid hydrogen storage sphere at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, delivering over 2,7 million liters of hydrogen via more than 50 tanker trailers. This massive fill positions the sphere as a critical supply hub for NASA’s Artemis lunar missions and sustained human presence on the Moon.
Photo: NASA
Swiss Steel Group Trials Hydrogen as Clean Fuel in Steel Furnaces
Under the EU-funded HYDREAMS project, Swiss Steel Group is testing the use of clean hydrogen instead of natural gas in thermal steel treatment. Pilot trials across 13 steel grades revealed no structural or compositional issues, paving the way for industrial demonstrators. By 2026, three full-scale units will confirm hydrogen’s practicality and safety in steel production.
