Long-Term Operation of the Energy Storage System for Lunar and Planetary Missions

Abstract

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been developing lithium-ion secondary cells for aerospace applications. Lithium-ion secondary cells were first used for the interplanetary spacecraft, HAYABUSA. For the long-term operations on the moon and interplanetary orbit, in-orbit performance of the lithium-ion battery demonstrated by HAYABUSA has been precisely examined. Furthermore, the regenerative fuel cell system is also one of the most important candidates to the future lunar and planetary missions where the higher energy density is required.