Performance of the Lithium-Ion Secondary Cells Targeting Space Exploration Missions

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) developed the 200 Ah-class lithium-ion secondary cell. Using the cell, the survivability on the Moon using chemical rechargeable battery was tested. The charge at 50°C and discharge at −20°C were repeated three times simulating the energy management on the Moon over nights. One of the cells was stored with higher SOC than the other at 50°C. The lower discharge voltage was observed after the storage with high SOC after the third cycle, but the difference was 58 mV after 150 Ah was discharged at −20°C. The degradation of the cell was not significant after the cycles, and the applicability of the lithium-ion secondary cells over nights on the Moon could be demonstrated.