Low-Earth Orbit Constellation Satellites Powered by Saft Batteries

Low-Earth Orbit Constellation Satellites
Powered by Saft Batteries Take Flight
Paris, January 7th 2016 – Saft, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of advanced
technology batteries for industry, announces its lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries were on board the
eleven new-generation satellites, built by Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), launched on December
21st 2015 by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida for the
ORBCOMM (Nasdaq: ORBC) Generation 2 (OG2) constellation, a telecommunication network. The
successful launch demonstrates the reliable performance of Saft’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite
constellation batteries using Li-ion chemistry. This success follows the previous launch of six OG2
satellites on July 14, 2014.
The OG2 constellation is a network of 17 LEO satellites that provide reliable and cost-effective
machine-to-machine (M2M), wireless communications to and from anywhere in the world. The
partnership with SNC began in 2008 with a multi-million-dollar contract to provide 18 8S6P MPS
batteries, representing one of Saft’s largest single awards for small satellites.
ORBCOMM’s OG2 satellites are more advanced than its ORBCOMM Generation 1 (OG1) satellites
and will provide customers with significant enhancements, such as faster message delivery, larger
message sizes and better coverage at higher latitudes, while significantly increasing network
capacity.
Saft’s supplied batteries are equipped with Medium Prismatic Satellite cells (MPS). Each satellite
uses one battery pack containing MPS176065 cells, providing 30Ah with 28V. Saft’s MPS battery
possesses proven, specific qualifications for use in space environments for several years. The battery
will power the satellite when it is blocked from sunlight for up to 35 minutes per orbit during the
entire duration of the mission.
In order to retain the relatively small size of ORBCOMM’s LEO satellites, the technology must be
able to operate under significantly lower power requirements with smaller batteries than
geostationary (GEO) satellites. Chosen for their low-weight and high-voltage capabilities, Saft’s
batteries reduce 50 percent of the satellite’s battery weight on average, allowing the OG2 satellites
to carry a larger payload. The low-thermal power and high-energy efficiency of Saft’s Li-ion batteries
enables the installation of smaller solar panels and battery radiators to further reduce the critical
weight of the satellite.
“The launch of the OG2 satellites demonstrates the capabilities of Saft’s high-energy Li-ion batteries
for LEO space applications,” said Annie Sennet, vice president of Saft’s Space & Defence Division.
“The completion of Saft’s inaugural LEO constellation satellite subcontract with SNC demonstrates
our ability to successfully compete in all satellite markets, from high-power geostationary telecom
satellites to small LEO satellites.”
SNC is contracted to build the satellites for the OG2 constellation. SNC’s Space Systems designs and
manufactures advanced spacecraft, space vehicles, rocket motors and spacecraft subsystems and
components for the U.S. Government, commercial customers, as well as for the international
market.
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www.saftbatteries.com
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 18 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
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Press contacts:
Saft
Karen Hollington, Corporate Communication Manager
Tel.: +33 1 49 93 17 68, e-mail: [email protected]
Nicole Haslip, Communication Manager US for Space & Defence
Tél. : +410-568-6452, 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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www.saftbatteries.com