Li-ion batteries for small satellite missions

Citation

(2009), "Li-ion batteries for small satellite missions", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 81 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2009.12781bad.004

Li-ion batteries for small satellite missions

Article Type: Equipment and software From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 81, Issue 2

Saft has signed a contract with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) in the UK, a major provider of small satellite missions, to develop, manufacture and supply lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems to power LEO (low-earth orbit) satellites. The contract is for the supply of a battery system for the SSTL-100 platform that will play a vital role in Canada’s Sapphire space object surveillance programme.

This new contract with Saft will enable SSTL to introduce a new alternative to its current onboard Li-ion battery solution. The new battery system will secure SSTL’s critical supply, while also taking advantage of the superior robustness and reliability offered by Saft’s space-qualified MPS series Li-ion cells.

“This new co-operation with SSTL is an important extension to our portfolio of collaborative arrangements with key players in the space industry”, said Philippe Jehanno, General Manager, Space and Defence Division, Saft. “It also confirms our position as the only space battery supplier capable of offering an end-to-end commitment, from cell electrochemistry to complete systems, to deliver cutting edge, best in class, solutions tailored to any spacecraft application from micro LEO to large GEO.”

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates Ltd (MDA) is the mission prime for Sapphire, leading a team that includes SSTL and COM DEV of Cambridge, Ontario, who will build the payload. The mission, due to launch by 2011, will provide a satellite-based resident space object observing service that will provide accurate tracking data on deep space orbiting objects. Sapphire will feature a space-based data collection platform for continuous surveillance of manmade objects in medium to high-Earth orbits (6,000-40,000 km).

The Saft battery system will work in conjunction with Sapphire’s solar array to provide the electrical power for the satellite’s on-board electronics. When the solar array is fully exposed to the sun it will provide the satellite’s power as well as charging the batteries. When the solar array is “eclipsed” by the earth, with no direct sunlight, the batteries will power the satellite. This charge and discharge cycle will be repeated approximately every 100 min.

The 28 V battery system comprises 24 Saft MPS 176065 space-qualified Li-ion cells in an eight series and three parallel configuration with a total nominal capacity of 16.8 Ah and a total energy storage capability of 480 Wh. An integral autonomous cell balancing system and heating circuit will ensure the maximum possible battery life.

The MPS 176065 space-qualified cell, based on Saft’s well-proven MP series of prismatic rechargeable lithium-ion cells, provides a standard, modular, flight-proven approach for satellite battery systems and offers an extremely high capacity. Saft’s lithium-ion electrochemistry uses cobalt and graphite-based active materials, combined with an innovative organic solvent mix for the electrolyte.