Durability Analysis of the REIMEI Satellite Li-ion Batteries after more than 14 Years of Operation in Space

The satellite REIMEI was launched in August 2005, this is one of the first satellites to use Li-ion batteries. REIMEI is a small scientific satellite designed for carrying out aurora observations using three different cameras. The main scientific mission of the satellite ended in 2013. More than 14 years have passed, and the batteries have experienced over 78,100 charge/discharge cycles. REIMEI remains in operation with a new mission dedicated to analyzing its Li-ion battery. In this work, we present a durability analysis for the REIMEI battery based on telemetry data

Microstructure-resolved degradation simulation of lithium-ion batteries in space applications

In-orbit satellite REIMEI, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, has been relying on off-the-shelf Li-ion batteries since its launch in 2005. The performance and durability of Li-ion batteries is impacted by various degradation mechanisms, one of which is the growth of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). In this article, we analyse the REIMEI battery and parameterize a full-cell model with electrochemical cycling data, computer tomography images, and capacity fading experiments using image processing and surrogate optimization. We integrate a recent model for SEI growth into a full-cell model and simulate the degradation of batteries during cycling. To validate our model, we use experimental and in-flight data of the satellite batteries. Our combination of SEI growth model and microstructure-resolved 3D simulation shows, for the first time, experimentally observed inhomogeneities in the SEI thickness throughout the negative electrode for the degraded cell

Performance of Li-CFx Cells Installed in Earth Re-entry Capsule of Interplanetary Spacecraft ‘HAYABUSA’

The interplanetary spacecraft HAYABUSA returned to Earth on June 13, 2010, and a capsule containing an asteroid sample was released. The capsule deployed a parachute and transmitted a beacon signal indicating its position. The ground facilities successfully detected the beacon and determined the landing position of the capsule. For these actions, electricity was supplied by Li-CFx cells installed in the electric unit of the capsule. These cells had to work after storage for 12 years, including 7 years of space flight. To confirm the performance of the flight cells, we prepared thermally degraded cells and tested their performance. We also discharged cells from the same lot as the flight cells. On the basis of the results, we expected proper performance of the cells up to landing of the capsule. These results were further compared with the discharge capability of the flight cells installed in the HAYABUSA capsule. Comparison of all these data enabled a reliable prediction of the performance of the Li-CFx cells after an extended storage period, including a period in which the cells were subjected to space-flight conditions