Enhanced Power Sources Compatible With Extended Thermal Environment

Abstract

Today the race to lower the cost to orbit is stronger than ever, with the arrival of new competitors like Space-X. A way to lighten European next generation launchers (Ariane 6) is to use novel primary and secondary batteries for powering avionics, pyro systems, guidance and control electronics, as well as communication systems. Such application requires unrestricted operations at low temperature (−20°C) and safety behaviour at high temperature (70°C), in addition to a low self-discharge rate because most of the life time of the power source goes by under storage prior to launch. Several battery technologies could be used for this application. While the major challenge for Lithium primary cells is the power capability, regarding secondary Li-ion batteries it may be self-discharge. Both technologies will need a good low temperature power rate capability. CEA developed 18650 Li-ion cells and AA Li-CFx cells in order to tackle those particular challenges.