Saft's lithium-ion batteries are now operating in a (GEO) on satellite

Citation

(2005), "Saft's lithium-ion batteries are now operating in a (GEO) on satellite", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 77 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2005.12777aaf.009

Saft's lithium-ion batteries are now operating in a (GEO) on satellite

Saft's lithium-ion batteries are now operating in a (GEO) on satellite

Keywords: Spacecraft, Space technology

The August fourth launch of Hispasat's Amazonas satellite, with batteries using Saft's lithium-ion (Li-ion) modules by a Proton/Breeze M vehicle is continuing a revolution in GEO satellite power. Amazonas is the second communications spacecraft launched in the world, equipped with a highly efficient Li-ion battery. Eutelsat W3A, which was the first, was launched on 15 March 2004. The Amazonas and W3A satellites were manufactured by EADS Astrium. They are based on the new Eurostar E3000 platform, with Saft's rechargeable Li-ion battery cells.

Saft is the supplier of this advanced battery technology to the prime contractor EADS Astrium and operator Hispasat.

The Amazonas battery is made up of Saft's Li-ion VES 140 cells and modules. The cells are manufactured at Saft's industrial plant in Bordeaux, France. The battery modules are designed, integrated and tested at Saft's facility in Poitiers, France. Based on the modules delivered by Saft, the overall battery design, assembly, integration and testing are performed by EADS Astrium at their facility in Toulouse, France.

Owing to long-standing cooperation with EADS Astrium, Saft has developed and extensively qualified a Li-ion product line, which is now base-lined on the Eurostar E3000 platform. Different configurations of this Li-ion product meet the needs for a large range of satellite power.

Such advanced battery designs require the expertise that Saft and EADS Astrium have jointly built-up in determining design factors and characteristics appropriate for the mission. Based on considerable ground test data, expectations are that mission performance requirement will be exceeded, even in the tough environment of space.

Generating revenue, Day One

In addition to pioneering Saft's Li-ion technology, Amazonas, Hispasat's largest satellite, with a record-setting capacity of 32 Ku-band and 19 C-band transponders, will introduce to its customers in Latin America such innovative telecommunications services as space-based highspeed Internet connections. It also provides traditional satellite telecom services as well as content broadcasting. The satellite is designed to provide 15 or more years of coverage and revenue generation for Hispasat.

All services are revenue generating for Hispasat as of Day One of operation.

Launch factors: Saft's Li-ion is lighter, smaller

Amazonas delivers power levels of approximately 9.5 kw, appropriate for the specific needs of satellite communication across the entire region. The power is reflected in the size of this large satellite as well as its launch weight, approximately 4,600 kg.

Saft's Li-ion technology reportedly has led to a reduction of the overall battery weight in excess of 30 per cent compared to its predecessors (nickel- hydrogen technology). This is a significant factor considering that the satellite flies 22,000 miles (36,000 km) above the Earth in its designated orbital slot. By reducing battery weight and space on EADS Astrium's Eurostar E3000 platform, the Li-ion technology enables Hispasat to add more revenue- generating services to the payload.

The Proton mission was performed by International Launch Services from its launch pad in Baikonour, Kazakhstan.

Hispasat's market strategy

Jacinto Garcia Palacios, Hispasat's CEO, commented: “The Latin American market, which Hispasat serves with the launch of this new communications satellite, takes on essential strategic value for our future. This is not only because of Spain's historic, cultural and linguistic ties with America but also because of the extraordinary contribution that communication satellites make to economic and social development”.

Hispasat is headquartered in Madrid, Spain, and operates a fleet of satellites covering southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa as well as Central and South America. Saft has previously supplied several nickel-hydrogen batteries for lower-power satellites before embarking on Li-ion for this most recent high-power bird.

Optimized battery technology

Amazonas will provide a full range of services, including enterprise links, internet service and television broadcast. The satellite is designed to provide 15 or more years of coverage and revenue generation for Hispasat, so Saft's batteries had to go through extensive accelerated ground cycle testing to demonstrate reliability.

Like other GEO satellites, Amazonas uses its Saft batteries only when the Earth hides it from the Sun during the twice-yearly equinoxes, around 21 September and 21 March. Rest of the time it relies on solar panels for electric power – of 9,500 w DC, even at its end of life. A GEO satellite uses its batteries over a 22-day period on each side of the equinox.

First of many

The different strategic orbits around the Equator are currently full of GEOs that are working successfully for a wide range of owners and operators around the planet.

As the current fleets of GEO satellites are renewed, Saft's Li-ions are now ready to serve their mission-critical assignment of ensuring reliable performance even in this extremely harsh environment – at the same time as reducing the weight and volume that batteries add to the payload's platform.

Amazonas is certainly among the first of many GEOs that Saft's Li-ion batteries will fly on. Saft currently has 17 contracts for Li-ion batteries destined for space flight, including upcoming missions on Eurostar E3000 platforms.

Operating Spain's regional satellite system that provides services to the Iberian peninsula and Latin America, Hispasat has shareholders who include Auna, BBVA, Telefonica, and EADS- CASA. The company operates five satellites following the launch of Amazonas in 2004.

Details available from: Saft Group. Tel: +33 1 49 93 17 77; Web site: www.saftbatteries.com