Darwin McDaniel
Astronauts have completed installation of six new Aerojet Rocketdyne-built lithium-Ion batteries on the International Space Station to replace the facility’s aging nickel hydrogen power packs.
The aerospace and defense company said Monday the Li-ion batteries will provide power to the ISS and crew during two upcoming extravehicular activities.
The latest installation is part of a four-year process to put 24 Li-ion batteries on the space station to replace all 48 aging nickel hydrogen batteries.
Aerojet Rocketdyne said it will integrate the new power sources into the electrical power system that powers the entire ISS.
“Developing these critical power components for the space station and its inhabitants has been an invaluable opportunity to realize further potential applications for the technology,†said Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and President Eileen Drake.
Drake said the company plans to expand the availability of the Li-ion batteries for military and commercial applications.
The ISS currently has battery flight units from Aerojet Rocketdyne.
The company plans to deliver the remaining 12 batteries in 2019 and 2020. Each battery is expected to last for 10 years.
