PROBLEM PREVENTION IN AEROSPACE BATTERIES

Generally, launch vehicle batteries, which are of single or limited use, are shipped dry and filled or `activated` just before use. Addition of electrolyte to rechargeable batteries is performed at the factory. To assure long life, the electrolyte addition, initial cycling, and sealing are carefully controlled. Control of the specifications, processes, and ongoing uniformity of key components of the battery cells and assemblies is essential to successful performance. With time, the processes, materials, and environmental law revisions can result in changes that may have profound effects on performance. Worldwide, 74 successful satellite launches occurred in 1995. To support this launch quantity requires approximately three hundred satellite batteries and a thousand launch vehicle batteries. With such a limited number of satellites and launch vehicles produced annually, the battery production to support this effort is a semi-continuous batch type operation with all the inherent associated control problems. 11 refs., 5 figs.