Electrochemical Engineering to Optimize the Next Generation of Space Power

Abstract

The increasing democratization of space has sparked new research developments for on-orbit systems. As the technology flown becomes more sophisticated, their power needs increase as well, highlighting the battery as a critical component that ensures a consistent supply of electricity can be fed to the necessary satellite subsystems, independent of solar panel exposure (i.e. during eclipse conditions). However, despite the growth of the industry, space batteries are derived from technology engineered for terrestrial use, and thus are not optimized for all on-orbit challenges. It is the job of the electrochemist to develop batteries designed to meet the unique needs of the space environment. This talk will outline some of the key challenges facing the future of space power, including power requirements for in-space manufacturing, reduced capacity after an extended lifetime in space, and SWAP-C (size, weight, power and cost) considerations for smallsat constellations. Different pathways to optimize electrochemical engineering to meet these needs will be discussed, and recent efforts by the National Reconnaissance Office to support basic research and academic outreach will be highlighted.