A recent article published by NASA about the development of next generation robotic lander mentions innovations in on-board battery technology. The sophisticated robotic lander is designed for “automated spacecraft capable of exploring and conducting science on the surface of the moon, near-Earth asteroids and other airless planetary bodies in the solar system.”
According to NASA: “On-board batteries are another source of innovation on the project. To sustain the lander’s electrical power and energy storage systems in extreme environments for long months or years, the team is studying two types of lithium ion batteries at the Marshall Center. Advanced, lightweight lithium iron phosphate batteries have proven themselves capable of supplying high power levels at sub-freezing temperatures, increasing the inherent safety of the energy storage system and permitting the team to devote more mass to payload.”
