NASA Seeks Input on Industry-Backed Battery Passivation Methods

NASA Seeks Insights on Battery Passivation Techniques for Small Spacecraft

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is actively seeking valuable input from industry experts, academia, and government bodies regarding battery passivation techniques. This initiative is spearheaded by the NASA Ames Research Center on behalf of the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s Small Spacecraft Technology Program. NASA’s primary goal is to gather insights that could potentially lead to improvements in its processes and revise requirements related to battery passivation in small spacecraft.

Battery passivation refers to the methods used to safely manage and neutralize the energy stored in spacecraft batteries once they are no longer needed for mission operations. These techniques are essential for minimizing the risk of accidental explosions and the creation of orbital debris, which can pose significant threats to other space systems.

The Importance of Battery Passivation

Battery passivation is crucial for adhering to NASA’s Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices (ODMSP). Specifically, requirement 2-2 emphasizes the importance of reducing risks associated with stored energy sources onboard spacecraft after their mission ends. The safe depletion or neutralization of these energy sources helps prevent potential hazards such as accidental collisions or explosions that could generate additional orbital debris.

To achieve these goals, NASA has established comprehensive procedures for passivating power sources on large, highly redundant spacecraft. These procedures are designed to mitigate debris generation at the end of a spacecraft’s operational life. However, the emergence of smaller, more streamlined spacecraft, particularly those using single-string and Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components, presents new challenges. Applying traditional passivation strategies to these less complex systems can introduce unforeseen risks and may not be economically viable.

Challenges with Small Spacecraft

The rapid growth of small satellite operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), primarily driven by the commercial sector, has necessitated a reevaluation of battery passivation strategies. Unlike larger spacecraft, small satellites often lack the redundancy and complexity that traditional passivation methods require. This creates a need for innovative approaches tailored to the unique characteristics of small spacecraft.

NASA’s initiative to gather insights from various stakeholders is a proactive step towards understanding existing industry practices. By learning from the commercial sector and other entities, NASA aims to develop safe and sustainable end-of-life procedures that are specifically suited to small spacecraft. This collaboration is expected to yield valuable data on the performance and rationale behind current passivation techniques.

Call for Input from Industry and Academia

NASA invites stakeholders from government, academia, and industry, including small satellite operators, manufacturers, and component suppliers, to contribute information on their battery passivation strategies. This collaborative effort seeks to identify effective methods currently in use and explore any potential innovations that could enhance NASA’s passivation procedures.

The information gathered through this initiative will not only inform NASA’s ongoing efforts but also contribute to the broader goal of ensuring safe and sustainable operations in the increasingly crowded space environment. By engaging with a diverse range of experts, NASA hopes to address the unique challenges posed by small spacecraft and develop robust solutions that can be applied across the industry.

Additional Considerations and Insights

This initiative highlights NASA’s commitment to maintaining safety and sustainability in space operations. As the number of small satellites in orbit continues to grow, the need for effective passivation techniques becomes increasingly urgent. The insights gained through this collaboration will play a critical role in shaping future policies and procedures, ensuring that the space community can continue to operate safely and responsibly.

In addition to technical considerations, it is important for stakeholders to understand the broader implications of battery passivation. Effective passivation not only protects individual spacecraft but also contributes to the overall safety of the space environment. By minimizing the risk of collisions and debris generation, these techniques help preserve the long-term viability of space operations.

Conclusion

NASA’s call for input on battery passivation techniques represents a significant step towards enhancing the safety and sustainability of small spacecraft operations. By engaging with industry, academia, and government stakeholders, NASA aims to gather valuable insights that will inform the development of improved end-of-life procedures. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of innovation and cooperation in addressing the unique challenges of small spacecraft and ensuring the continued success of space missions.

For more detailed information on this initiative, interested parties can visit the official announcement page on the SAM.gov website.

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