Saft achieves major space milestones with 165 satellites equipped

Saft achieves major space milestones with 165 satellites equipped
and Singapore’s TeLEOS-1 powered with VES16
Li-ion battery systems
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TeLEOS-1 is the first satellite in orbit to be powered by Saft’s new design VES16 batteries
165 satellites have now been launched with Saft batteries onboard – with a cumulative
capacity of over 2 MWh
Paris, February 1st, 2016 – Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of advanced
technology batteries for industry, achieved two major space milestones in December 2015 as its
VES16 Li-ion (lithium-ion) batteries made a successful launch onboard TeLEOS-1, Singapore’s first
commercial Near Equatorial Orbit (NEqO) earth observation satellite. First, TeLEOS-1 gave an orbital
debut to the new VES16 battery concept developed specifically for low earth orbit (LEO)
applications. Second, with 165 satellites launched, representing a cumulative capacity of over 2
MWh in orbit, Saft has now taken the number one position in Li-ion satellite battery technology.
TeLEOS-1, built by Singapore Technologies Electronics (STEE), was launched on December 16, 2015
by the PSLV-CA rocket from Sriharikota, the launch pad in southern India. Operating at an altitude of
550 kilometres, TeLEOS-1 is designed to complement earth observation satellites in more traditional
sun-synchronous orbits. It offers 1 metre high resolution satellite imagery, focusing on a band of the
surface close to the equator with a revisit time of around half a day. This provides decision makers
and users with convenient access to high temporal imagery and geospatial solutions to respond to
time sensitive events, such as homeland security and border control, maritime situation awareness,
and disaster monitoring and management by focusing on a band of the surface close to the equator.
TeLEOS-1 is designed around the three-axis stabilized SS-400 satellite bus, with a design lifespan of
five years. It is powered by four solar panels, however during the 35-minute eclipse periods of its
90-minute orbit, the satellite will rely on its onboard battery system.TeLEOS-1 is the first satellite to
be launched with Saft’s new VES16 batteries – it has two battery packs, each comprising 40 cells in a
8S5P (8 series connected cells in 5 parallel strings) configuration - providing a nominal 45 Ah
capacity and 29 V.
VES16 – a dedicated cell design for LEO applications
The VES16 cylindrical cell has been developed in Saft’s Poitiers plant in France with the support of
CNES (National French Space Agency) and ESA (European Space Agency) to create a low capacity
space cell dedicated for low earth orbit (LEO) applications, with the specific aim of reducing the
critical weight of the satellite. This cell uses the same NCA electrochemistry as the largest energy
cells (VES140 and VES180) that have already demonstrated their capabilities on many GEO, MEO
and LEO satellites. The VES16 is designed to meet the challenging demands of cycling in low earth
orbit missions, namely more than 60,000 cycles for duration of 12 years with very high DOD (depth
of discharge) up to 40 percent. This 4.5 Ah cell has successfully passed the specific qualification tests
for use in space environments for missions requiring reliable battery power over several years.
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In addition to the TeLEOS 1 success, the remarkable performance of the VES16 batteries has
enabled Saft to increase its share of the LEO market with contracts for the Iridium Next
constellation, Myriade Evolutions CNES satellites and also Meteosat 3rd generation MTG family (6
satellites) in GEO Geosynchronous Orbit for ESA. Currently, more than 110 satellites powered with
VES16 batteries are either under construction or waiting for the launch.
“Our VES16 batteries passed all their stringent qualification tests for LEO missions with success. The
flight experience gained in their first mission on the TeLEOS-1 satellite is the last key step for the
VES16 design as it will provide an important reference for their performance and lifetime
advantages,” said Annie Sennet, Saft’s Space and Defense Director.
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About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for
industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for
the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics markets. Saft is the
world leader in space and defense batteries with its Li-ion technologies, which are also deployed in the energy
storage, transportation and telecommunication network markets. More than 4,000 employees in 19 countries,
14 manufacturing sites and an extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for
the future.
Saft batteries. Designed for industry. www.saftbatteries.com
Press contacts:
Saft
Karen Hollington, Corporate Communication Manager
Tel.: +33 1 49 93 17 68, e-mail: [email protected]
Christelle Nay, Communication Manager for Space & Defence Europe
Tel.: + 33 5 45 90 37 55, e-mail: [email protected]
French | West | Vaughan
Melissa Timney, Tel.: +1-919-277-1165, e-mail: [email protected]
Six Degrees
Andrew Bartlett, Tel.: +44 118 900 0860, e-mail: [email protected]
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