Li-S Cells for Space Applications (LISSA)

Abstract

The Lithium-Sulfur Cells for Space Applications (LiSSA) project was funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and was conducted between 2016 and 2018. The project was led by OXIS in collaboration with CEA and Airbus Defence & Space (ADS). The primary aim was to further develop OXIS Energy's lithium-sulfur (Li-S) technology for high energy density batteries for geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites. At the start of the project, OXIS's Ultra Light cells were already capable of achieving 300–400 Wh/kg for at least 40 cycles at 100% DoD. An energy density of 400 Wh/kg and GEO cycle life of 1350 cycles until 80% beginning-of-life (BoL) was targeted for the LiSSA Project. Such a cell would offer substantial mass advantages to GEO satellites developed by ADS and launched by ESA. The mass savings would allow for increased satellite payloads and/or significant cost reduction with reduced fuel usage.