Arsat, which aims to develop the Argentine geostationary orbital slots by means of telecommunications satellites built in Argentina, has selected Invap, a satellite manufacturer established in Bariloche, Argentina, as prime contractor for the development and manufacturing of the satellites.
The rechargeable Saft Li-ion battery system will provide onboard power for Arsat-1, ensuring continuity of service for the two eclipse seasons each year when its solar panels are blocked from the sun.
The Arsat-1 battery system will feature Saft’s Li-ion technology in the form of the new VES 180 cells. The company said that the VES 180 cells provide an additional 30% of energy (40Wh), compared to VES 140 cells, which has enabled the ARSAT-1 designers to save weight on the battery so that more of its 400kg payload can be utilized for revenue earning equipment.
The 4P12S VES180 battery system configuration will provide a 43.8V and 200Ah capacity. The VES 180 cells will be manufactured in Saft’s industrial factory in Bordeaux, France and integrated into the ARSAT-1 system and tested at Saft’s facility In Poitiers, France. Delivery is scheduled for 2011.
Philippe Jehanno, general manager of space and defence division at Saft, said: “This is a significant contract for Saft as AR-SAT is a new customer for us that will help establish a foothold in Argentina, which we regard as an important emerging country in the space sector.”
