Orbital ATK selects EaglePicher and GS Yuasa Technology for JPSS-2 spacecraft

Orbital ATK has chosen EaglePicher to design and manufacture a battery with specifications to use GS Yuasa Technology (GYT) lithium-ion cells to power the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS)-2 spacecraft.

JPSS is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Nasa.

GS Yuasa Lithium Power (GYLP) director of business development Curtis Aldrich said: "Selection for this programme demonstrates Orbital ATK's continued confidence in GS Yuasa's lithium-ion technology to meet NOAA's requirements for schedule, performance and mission life." 

EaglePicher aerospace vice-president and general manager Ron Nowlin said: "The strong partnership between GS Yuasa and EaglePicher has been a proven approach in providing the space industry with world-class battery performance."

Last March, Nasa awarded a contract to Orbital ATK to develop up to three JPSS spacecraft.

Satellites in the JPSS polar-orbiting constellation collect measurements of atmospheric, terrestrial and oceanic conditions.

JPSS offers important information and images used for forecasting severe weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes and blizzards, as well as assessing environmental hazards, including droughts, forest fires and air quality.

The data obtained from the JPSS constellation helps to increase the timeliness and accuracy of forecasts, as well as reduces the potential for property damage and loss of human life.

GYLP will work with EaglePicher to incorporate GYT's Gen III LSE134 lithium-ion cells into the battery system.

GYLP and EaglePicher have been partnering for over a decade and have been awarded numerous aerospace programmes. 

 The JPSS-2 battery is a 7.9kWh, 29.6V system integrating EaglePicher's GEOStar-3 and ICESat-2 lithium ion battery platforms. 

Orbital ATK chose EaglePicher for its expertise in battery design and manufacturing and GYT for its LSE cell heritage, performance and reliability.