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Validation of Lithium-ion cell technology for JPL's 2003 Mars Exploration Rover Missionn 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 C to +40 C), withstanding 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 Lithium-ion technology to meet these stringent requirements, a comprehensive test program was implemented aimed at demonstrating the performance capability of prototype cells fabricated by Lithion, Inc. (Yardney Technical Products, Inc.). The testing performed includes, determining the (a) room temperature cycle life, (b) pulse capability as a function of temperature, (e) self-discharge and storage characteristics mission profile capability, (f) cycle life under mission simulation conditions, (g) impedance characteristics, (h) impact of cell orientation, and (i) performance in 8-cell engineering batteries. As will be discussed, the Lithium-ion prototype cells and batteries were demonstrated to meet, as well as, exceed the requirements defined by the mission.
Document ID
20060043747
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Smart, Marshall C.
Ratnakumar, Bugga V.
Ewell, R. C.
Whitcanack, L. D.
Chin, K. B.
Surampudi, S.
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
August 15, 2004
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: 2nd International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference, Providence, Rhode Island
Start Date: August 15, 2004
End Date: August 18, 2004
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
2003 Mars Exploration Rover (MER)
Li-ion batteries

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