- Japan intends to test solid-state batteries at the International Space Station later this year.
- Tests will be carried out and data collected on the battery’s performance over a six months period.
Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) intends to install a solid-state battery at the International Space Station later this year. This may represent a leap in solid-state technology usage.
Solid-state batteries utilise a solid to separate the cathode and anode of a cell rather than an electrolyte as in a lithium-ion battery. As a result, they possess improved stability and are safer. Solid-state batteries are susceptible to low temperatures, but not much is known about how space could affect battery performance.
JAXA had called for research proposals in 2016 to study this and selected Hitachi Zosen to develop a solid-state battery capable of operating in space. The battery will be sent to the ISS and attached to the IVA-replaceable Small Exposed Experiment Platform (i-SEEP) outside the “Kibo” Japanese research module.
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Tests will be carried out and data collected on the battery’s performance over a six months period. JAXA intend to use 140 mAh batteries for the test. The batteries will be connected with 15 cells to create a 2.1 Ah power supply.
Solid-state batteries will be ideal for space if successful as the batteries would not need temperature protection shields resulting in smaller and lighter batteries for space exploration. The batteries also will require no need for heat improving power consumption efficiency.
JAXA hopes to utilise the technology to power exploration vehicles and observation equipment on Mars and the Moon.