Lithium-Ion Cell Development for Satellite Applications

A summary of the past and present activities of EPT in the quest to develop the lithium-ion technology for spacecraft applications is presented. Specific technical challenges addressed are rate capability and along with maintained or improved performance (specific energy and cycle life). Preliminary investigations show the LiNiCoO₂//MCMB system was found to have a higher rate capability than the LiCoO₂//EP-G3 chemistry. Further investigation on the processing and interface effects is necessary to confirm the findings.