Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Spacecraft formation – orbit – or interplanetary path
Patent
1998-07-09
2000-02-22
Swiatek, Robert P.
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Spacecraft formation, orbit, or interplanetary path
B64G 110, B64G 142
Patent
active
060270764
ABSTRACT:
A spacecraft, such as a satellite in geosynchronous orbit, is powered using at least two independently controllable batteries, such as lithium ion batteries, operably connected to the power-consuming components of the spacecraft. Each battery is operable in a higher-temperature range and inactivated in a lower-temperature range. The first battery and the second battery are operated in the higher-temperature range during a first period of time. The first battery is thereafter operated in the higher-temperature range during a second period of time, with the second battery being non-operational and in the lower-temperature range during the second period of time. The first battery and the second battery are thereafter operated in the higher-temperature range during a third period of time. The second battery is thereafter operated in the higher-temperature range during a fourth period of time, with the first battery being non-operational and in the lower-temperature range during the fourth period of time. The operable battery or batteries may be operated through a partial charging/discharging cycle. This alternating operation prolongs the lifetimes of the batteries.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4507371 (1985-03-01), Thackeray
patent: 4832113 (1989-05-01), Mims et al.
patent: 5152482 (1992-10-01), Perkins et al.
patent: 5310141 (1994-05-01), Homer et al.
patent: 5634612 (1997-06-01), Faisant
Grunebach Georgann
Gudmestad Terje
Hughes Electronics Corporation
Sales Michael W.
Swiatek Robert P.
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