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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
We plan to procure and test flight-quality COTS Li-ion cells at 50K. Battery failures encountered will be diagnosed. Once survivability at various SOCs is confirmed at the cell level, we will fabricate small battery packs (2 series 2 parallel) (2s2p) and test their survivability, by varying temperature ramp rates, cell SOC, and individual cell temperatures within the cryo-cooler. The test report will provide rationale for the down-select of 18650 cells for lunar hibernation operations.
Integrating extreme-cold-tolerant battery storage subsystems on lunar robotic missions offers the promise of reliably operating across multiple lunar day/night and polar-region eclipse cycles without dependance on external power infrastructure or replenishment exercises.
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