BHEL to manufacture space grade Li-Ion cells for ISRO and domestic requirements

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that it has entered into a Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), to transfer the technology to manufacture space grade lithium-ion cells.

The TTA was signed at ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru yesterday in the presence of Dr K. Sivan, chairman, ISRO and Atul Sobti, chairman and managing director, BHEL.

Currently, ISRO uses the Li-Ion batteries as power sources for satellite and launch vehicle applications due to their high energy density, reliability and long cycle life. The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) of ISRO at Thiruvananthapuram, has successfully developed the technology to produce space grade Li-ion cell and has demonstrated the performance of the cell under various testing conditions and established its cycle life characteristics in accelerated mode. These cells are currently being used for various satellite and launch vehicle applications.

According to the agreement the Technology Transfer will enable BHEL to produce space grade Li-Ion cells which can meet the country’s space programme requirements. Additionally, the technology can also be adopted to cater to the Li-Ion cell requirement for other national needs including EVs where the country, can take advantage of the advancements made by ISRO.