Space capsule energy storage

How can energy storage be used in space?

Energy storage can be accomplished using many fundamentally different approaches. The current roadmap includes three: batteries, flywheels, and regenerative fuel cells. Two other approaches may also prove feasible for space applications: (1) electric and magnetic field storage and (2) thermal storage (especially for surface power applications).

What is space power and energy storage?

Space Power and Energy Storage is related to several other technical areas. Many challenging requirements arise from high-power electric propulsion applications discussed in TA02. Heat rejection from power and energy storage components relies on technologies from the thermal control systems covered by TA14.

Can space power and energy storage help NASA learn about Earth?

The ability of space power and energy storage technologies to enable and enhance NASA’s ability to learn about Earth and the solar system is illustrated by the following quotes from a recently completed decadal survey on planetary science (NRC, 2011):

Why was thermal storage added?

Thermal storage was added due to its potential to improve energy storage mass, as compared to advanced batteries, for many special purpose applications. For example, if a heat-engine-based power system is used, energy can be efficiently stored thermally instead of using an electrochemical system.

Are space power and energy storage schedules feasible?

Schedules for Space Power and Energy Storage technologies are highly dependent on the level of funding applied to the development programs. The schedules depicted in the roadmap are generally feasible if sufficient resources are applied to each item in the roadmap. OTHER GENERAL COMMENTS ON THE ROADMAP

Are lithium-ion batteries the new energy storage component for Space Systems?

After relying on nickel-cadmium and nickel-hydrogen rechargeable batteries for decades, the aerospace industry is now moving to lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries as the standard energy storage component for space systems.