NASA partnered with Advanced Thermal Batteries, Inc. (ATB) to develop a high-temperature battery system to power the Long-Lived In situ Solar System Explorer (LLISSE) on the Venus surface once it arrives. Unlike other battery systems, this new approach is capable of achieving high-temperature operation for extended periods of time.
Making a battery that functions for months on end in conditions that can melt lead solder isn’t easy to say the least, but NASA and Advanced Thermal Batteries, Inc. (ATB) managed to develop the first battery that can successfully operate at Venus temperatures for an entire Venus solar day, or 120 Earth-days. The Venusian surfaces reaches approximately 465° Celsius, which can cook standard batteries, while the pressure can reach 92 times what we experience on Earth.
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This recent battery technology demonstration, with improved architecture and low self-discharge electrochemistry, is a huge accomplishment that many may have not thought possible,” said Dr. Kevin Wepasnick, ATB Project Engineer.
