ABSL Batteries Power Venus Express Spacecraft
03rd September 2007
Lithium-ion batteries designed and supplied by ABSL Space Products continue to power the Venus Express spacecraft as it enters its 500th day orbiting our nearest planetary neighbour.
The batteries continue to perform well in a demanding environment and with a complex and highly variable power profile. The variable power demand comes from the spacecraft’s complex instrument suite which is constantly being adapted, and changes its modes and targets during every orbit.
Venus Express is Europe’s first mission to Venus and was launched on 9th November 2005. The mission takes its name from the short time to define, prepare and launch the spacecraft. The batteries were supplied by ABSL in an exceptionally short lead-time, including a full environmental test programme.
The scientific returns from the mission have far exceeded expectations. For further information see:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Venus_Express/SEMLRBMPQ5F_0.html
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