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Ground testing of the Li-ion batteries in support of JPL's 2003 Mars Exploration Rover MissionIn early 2004, JPL successfully landed two Rovers, named Spirit and Opportunity, on the surface of Mars after traveling > 300 million miles over a 6-7 month period. In order to operate for extended duration on the surface of Mars, both Rovers are equipped with rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries, which were designed to aid in the launch, correct anomalies during cruise, and support surface operations in conjunction with a triple-junction deployable solar arrays. The requirements of the Lithium-ion battery include the ability to provide power at least 90 sols on the surface of Mars, operate over a wide temperature range (-20(deg)C to +4O(deg)C), withstand long storage periods (e.g., cruise period), operate in an inverted position, and support high currents (e.g., firing pyro events). In order to determine the viability of meeting these requirements, ground testing was performed on a Rover Battery Assembly Unit (RBAU), consisting of two 8-cell 8 Ah lithium-ion batteries connected in parallel. The RBAU upon which the performance testing was performed is nearly identical to the batteries incorporated into the two Rovers currently on Mars. The testing performed includes, (a) performing initial characterization tests (discharge capacity at different temperatures), (b) simulating the launch conditions, (c) simulating the cruise phase conditions (including trajectory corrections), (d) simulating the entry, decent, and landing pulse load profile (if required to support the pyros) (e) simulating the Mars surface operation mission simulation conditions, as well as, (f) assessing performance capacity loss and impedance characteristics as a function of temperature and life. As will be discussed, the lithium-ion batteries (fabricated by LithiodYardney, Inc.) were demonstrated to far exceed the requirements defined by the mission, and are projected to support an extended mission (> 2 years) with margin to spare.
Document ID
20060044410
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Smart, M. C.
Ratnakumar, B. V.
Ewell, R. C.
Whitcanack, L. D.
Chin, K. B.
Surampudi, S.
Puglia, F.
Gitzendanner, R.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
April 15, 2005
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: 3rd International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference
Location: San Francisco, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: August 15, 2005
End Date: August 18, 2005
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Li-ion batteries
2003 Mars Exploration Rovers (MER)

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