Welcome to the satellite power supply chain hub by satsearch. Information and links to all the supply chain data you need, on large spacecraft, small satellite and CubeSat power solutions, in one place!
Satellites are becoming more power-hungry. Edge computing, optical communications, more powerful payloads, deployables, de-orbiting and space situational awareness (SSA) components . . . the list of energy-intensive subsystems and processes keeps growing.
But space engineers have a huge array of power equipment at their disposal from across the global supply chain. If only they can easily find what they need.
The trouble is that information on available technologies is scattered and hard to locate, often outdated, and shared in a variety of formats by different vendors. So satsearch has brought it all together on a single platform, designed specifically to help engineers make progress.
Here’s the ultimate collection of commercially-available satellite power options on satsearch, along with a wealth of technical knowledge and insights across multiple articles and resources, to help you power your next mission.
Contents
Electrical Power Systems (EPS) and components
EPS is a common label used by suppliers that can mean complete power setups (e.g. solar panels + conversion unit + power conditioning and distribution unit (PCDU) + battery + other coordinating equipment) or a subset of these elements.
There are a wide range of EPS options on the market, so ensure you are clear on what specific product setup is required for your mission. Also assess heritage (of all EPS components) and interoperability with your wider system, particularly at the upper and lower limits of the power output range.
Click below to see information on commercially-available Electrical Power Systems across the global supply chain:
For CubeSats, there are certain standards or technical considerations used in the industry that can have an impact on power system operation and selection:
- At least 1 deployment switch, located at clearly designated points, is required per CubeSat. 2 are recommended.
- A remove before flight (RBF) pin is typically required during integration outside the launch separation system. This will be removed once the CubeSat is placed inside.
- Rechargeable batteries should be fully discharged and/or deactivated for launch.
- No CubeSat electronics should be active during launch, in order to avoid interference with primary payloads or the launch vehicle itself.
You can also view commonly used satellite power equipment, usually sold as part of the EPS or as elements of it, including power conditioning and distribution units (PCDUs) and maximum power point trackers (MMPTs), at the links below:
Batteries and power packs
To store energy for operations in the eclipse, and to keep things running smoothly the rest of the time, satellites incorporate batteries optimized for stable usage in the harsh environment of space.
For shorter missions primary, non-rechargeable batteries can be deployed, whereas for multiple usage cycles, such as for eclipsed periods, secondary (rechargeable) batteries are preferred.
Typical secondary battery cell materials are; nickel-hydrogen (NiH2), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium polymer (LiPo).
Common criteria used to assess battery options for space missions are:
- Power (Wh) – amount of energy stored
- Voltage (V) – difference in electric potential between positive and negative terminals of a battery
- Capacity (Ah) – amount of charge stored, determined by mass of active material
- Cell configuration – series, parallel, S–P, or P-S topology
- Mass
- Depth of discharge (DoD) – percentage of discharged capacity compared to nominal capacity
Click on the link below to view more details of satellite batteries from across the global supply chain:
Solar panels and equipment
Mission teams have been fitting satellites with solar panels to generate power while in space for many years. Satellite solar panels are rugged and efficient subsystems. They must be able to withstand launch stresses and panel deployment, while generating enough power to run every aspect of the mission (including contingencies)
One of the key limitations in this is that panels can only be mounted on certain surfaces, unless they are deployable, so as not to disrupt sensors, thrusters, communications systems, and/or payloads. They must also be compliant with voltage and current levels accepted by the PCDU.
Click on the link below to view solar panels from suppliers across the global supply chain:
There is also an extensive upstream supply chain for other components and technologies that go into space-grade solar panels consisting of:
