Selected for the “JAXA-STEPS”, aiming to reduce spacecraft weight and increase design flexibility by enabling high-temperature operation
Maxell, Ltd. (President and Representative Director: Keiji Nakamura; hereinafter “Maxell”)
has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (“JAXA”) for its JAXA Space
Technologies Rapid Evaluation Program on Small Satellite (“JAXA-STEPS”), a space
technology demonstration acceleration program. Maxell has proposed a theme titled
“Development and Demonstration of High-Heat-Resistant All-Solid-State Batteries to
Maximize Spacecraft*1 Missions” and has been selected for the program.
JAXA-STEPS is a program designed to drive and accelerate research and development of future
missions and technologies essential to both the public and private sectors by utilizing small
satellites to conduct rapid and timely demonstrations. Maxell and JAXA have now started joint
research on this theme, with the aim of achieving both “overall satellite weight reduction” and
“enhanced design flexibility” for small satellites by minimizing the amount of temperature
control equipment required.
In recent years, as the number of satellite launches has surged and mission durations have
become longer, there has been an urgent need for lighter, higher-performance satellite capable
of stable long-term operation.
One of the key constraints in addressing these challenges is the temperature tolerance of
conventional liquid-based lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), which have been widely used as power
sources for satellites.
In space, satellites may be exposed to both high and low temperatures.
For example, temperatures of around 60°C, which are near the upper operating temperature
limit of LIBs, impose severe conditions on the battery and lead to a significant reduction in its
lifetime. Furthermore, temperatures exceeding 100°C pose risks of damage and ignition,
necessitating the use of specialized temperature control systems. As a result, increases in
spacecraft weight and reduced design flexibility have been unavoidable.
Maxell has long focused on the development of all-solid-state batteries that are able to maintain
high safety even at temperatures exceeding 100°C. In this joint research, in addition to
achieving energy density comparable to that of conventional LIBs, Maxell aims to establish
stable output performance and long service life under the extremely wide temperature range
found in space environment, by utilizing the characteristics of these all-solid-state batteries.
This joint research will include demonstration of all-solid-state batteries intended for
installation into satellites. By incorporating all-solid-state batteries into satellites, it becomes
possible to further reduce satellite weight and achieve both overall weight reduction and
enhanced design flexibility, by minimizing temperature control equipment.
Under its corporate byline, “Micro batteries. Maximum impact.”, Maxell embodies the
philosophy of creating significant value through small batteries by advancing the development
of high-performance and highly reliable all-solid-state batteries across four key areas: long life,
high heat resistance, high output, and large capacity. Leveraging the results of this research,
Maxell will expand the range of applications for all-solid-state batteries and accelerate the
provision of battery solutions that directly address customer challenges.
*1 Spacecraft: A general term for machines and vehicles designed for operation in outer space, including a satellite.
All-solid-state battery webpage
https://biz.maxell.com/en/rechargeable_batteries/allsolidstate.html
Trademarks:
The names, logos, and service marks mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks
of Maxell or their respective companies.
Contacts
Marketing & Sales Div., Maxell, Ltd.
https://biz.maxell.com/en/rechargeable_batteries/inquiry_form_input1.html
