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NASA requires lightweight rechargeable batteries for future missions to Mars and the outer planets that are capable of operating over a wide range of temperatures, with high specific energy and energy densities. Due to the attractive performance characteristics, lithium-ion batteries have been identified as the battery chemistry of choice for a number of future applications, including Mars rovers and landers. The Mars 2001 Lander (Mars Surveyor Program MSP 01) will be among one of the first missions which will utilize lithium-ion technology. This application will require two lithium-ion batteries, each being 28 V (eight cells), 25 Ah and 8 kg. In addition to the requirement of being able to supply at least 200 cycles and 90 days of operation upon the surface of Mars, the battery must be capable of operation (both charge and discharge) at temperatures as low as -20°C.

NASA requires lightweight rechargeable batteries for future missions to Mars and the outer planets that are capable of operating at low temperatures. Due to the attractive performance characteristics, lithium-ion batteries have been identified as the battery chemistry of choice for a number of future applications, including Mars Rovers and Landers. Under an Interagency program, lithium-ion cells of varying capacity are being developed for NASA and DOD applications. JPL, in collaboration with Wright Patterson Laboratory (Air Force), is currently evaluating a number of lithium-ion cells varying in capacity from 3 Ah to 50 Ah for future aerospace applications. The Mars Lander and Rover applications require a rechargeable, high energy density system capable of operation at temperatures as low as -20°C.