A Review of Battery Technology in CubeSats and Small Satellite Solutions

Vaclav Knap, Lars Kjeldgaard Vestergaard and Daniel-Ioan Stroe
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Vaclav Knap: GomSpace A/S, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
Lars Kjeldgaard Vestergaard: GomSpace A/S, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark
Daniel-Ioan Stroe: Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-27

Abstract: CubeSats and small satellite solutions are increasing in popularity as they enable a fast, cheap, and agile way for satellite applications. An essential component of nearly every satellite is the energy storage device, which is practically equal to a battery. Consequently, an overview of past, present, and future battery technologies for CubeSats is presented. CubeSats use typically commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) batteries. They are not primarily dedicated to space, so their suitability to the space environment needs to be evaluated. Batteries are also considered as potentially dangerous goods. Thus, there are guidelines and standards that specify safety criteria and tests for the batteries in order to be allowed for transportation and launch. Furthermore, the character of satellites’ missions determines their demand on batteries in terms of current rates, depth-of-discharge, and lifetime. Thus, these expectations are discussed. A market survey was also carried out to identify currently available commercial battery solutions and their parameters. This work summarizes the status, requirements, and the market situation of batteries for CubeSats.

Keywords: battery; battery pack; CubeSat; electrical power supply; lithium-ion; market; qualification; requirement; satellite; standard (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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