Satellite batteries – for CubeSats, nanosats, and other form factors
Energy generation and management is an important aspect of electrical power sub-systems. Secondary batteries store the generated electrical energy from solar energy, and power the satellite when the sun is eclipsed, or too far away during the mission to give enough direct power.
Secondary (rechargeable) batteries are the focus of this article, with well-known examples being Lithium-ion or Lithium-based batteries adapted in space applications.
This article gives a brief overview of satellite battery technology and shares details of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) battery products from around the world. If you are familiar with the technology and would like to skip straight to the product listings, please click here.
The primary source of energy in a microsatellite (satellites with deployed mass up to 100 kg) power system is solar/photovoltaic panels, which convert solar energy to electrical energy, while batteries are the secondary source.
Batteries convert electrical energy to chemical energy during charging, and perform the opposite process during discharge. A typical battery contains a negative and positive electrode immersed in an electrolyte, separated by an insulator.
