Amazonas Takes Saft's Li-ion to GEO Service

On August 4, Hispasat launched its Amazonas satellite with batteries using Saft’s lithium-ion (Li-ion) modules by a Proton/Breeze M vehicle to continue a revolution in GEO satellite power. Amazonas is the second communications spacecraft launched in the world equipped with a lithium-ion battery. The first was Entelsat W3A, launched on March 15. Both satellites – manufactured by EADS Astrium – are based on the new Eurostar E3000 platform, with Saft’s rechargeable Li-ion battery cells.

The Amazonas battery is made up of Saft’s Li-ion VES 140 cells and modules. The cells are manufactured at Saft’s industrial plant in Bordeaux, France. The battery modules are designed, integrated and tested at Saft’s Poitiers, France, facility. The overall battery design, assembly, integration and testing are performed by EADS Astrium at its Toulouse, France, facility.

Saft’s Li-ion technology led to a reduction of the overall battery weight in excess of 30% compared to nickel-hydrogen technology. This is a significant factor considering that the satellite flies 22,000 miles above the Earth in its designated orbital slot. By reducing battery weight and space on EADS Astrium’s Eurostar E3000 platform, the Li-ion technology enables Hispasat to add more revenue-generating services to the payload.

Hispasat is headquartered in Madrid, Spain, and operates a fleet of satellites covering southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa as well as Central and South America. Saft has previously supplied several nickel-hydrogen batteries for lower-power satellites before embarking on Li-ion for this most recent high-power bird.