GS Yuasa Lithium Power Completes Qualification of a New Modular, Scalable Lithium Ion Battery for Spacecraft

ROSWELL, Ga., Jan. 19, 2018

A 12-cell configuration of the MA190 battery module successfully completed qualification testing including shock, sine and random vibration, and thermal vacuum testing.  The MA190 can be assembled to contain 6 to 12 LSE190 cells per module with flexibility to connect cells in parallel.  For qualification, a 12-cell module was tested because its thermal behavior and environmental tolerance envelopes those of smaller module configurations.   

The LSE190 is part of GYT's generation III Li-ion family of cells.  It has been qualified to NASA JSC 20793 "Crewed Space Vehicle Battery Safety Requirements" and has accrued significant spaceflight heritage in LEO and GEO regimes including multiple human-rated missions.  The LSE190 is the largest of five space-qualified wound prismatic cell sizes offered by GS Yuasa and represents the portfolio's lowest cost in terms of dollars per watt or watt-hour.

"Maximizing the accessibility of GYT's industry leading space Li-ion technology in North America through high TRL and complete battery offerings continues to be GYLP's focus" said Bill Moll, GYLP President. "Developed to complement GYT Li-ion based batteries available from our partner EaglePicher Technologies (Joplin, MO), the MA190 reflects our effort to bring the best possible value to our customers."

The MA190 module was designed to support LEO, MEO and GEO missions and provides the flexibility and scalability needed for optimal alignment with system requirements. Modules can be configured and deployed in battery systems with nominal voltages from 22 to more than 100 and support spacecraft power from 1kW to more than 30kW.

Features of the MA190 include: