BatteriesBatteries
can be used to store excess energy produced for times when the the
power system may undergo a short failure or there is a spike in the
need for power aboard the spacecraft. Since battery technology is
reliable and well-understood, it is a reliable source of backup energy
whenever necessary and can even provide high power for 15 years. The
technology to be used on this deep space mission will be Nickel-Hydrogen batteries as they have a long life cycle, low weight, and low cost and have been
tested on the Mars Global Surveyor mission. The charge on these batteries will need
to be able to be maintained by the central power system to protect
against transient currents and terminal degradation. |
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