Pawcatuck, CT USA– Jan 4, 2004 –Eight months ago, Lithion, a division of Yardney Technical Products and a leader in high energy density Li-ion batteries, delivered six Lithium-ion batteries to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab. As of 1130 EST last night (Jan 3, 2004) the company may now claim to have two of those batteries on the Red Planet.

A second set of two batteries is scheduled to arrive on Mars on Jan 23, 2004. The two flights were launched towards Mars in Jun/Jul 2003, with the batteries onboard the Spirit (MER-A) and the Opportunity (MER-B) Rovers packaged inside.The Mars Explorer Rovers are scheduled to egress from the Lander 9 days after landing, and begin their scientific surface operations. Assuming healthy vehicles, the Company’s power/energy margin estimates suggest the Rover mission may go 60+ days beyond the required 90-day effort.

The two 28V, 8Ah Li-ion batteries will be used to provide power to the Mars Explorer Rover during the Martian night and to provide peak power to the MER during the day when several scientific instruments are being used.

"We are proud to be a part of this historic mission," Vince Yevoli, Vice President and General Manager of Lithion, stated. "Not many companies can say their products have been used on Mars. For a small company like Lithion to play such a critical role on this mission adds significant credibility to our battery development and production capabilities. We are confident our battery will meet or exceed its performance requirements."

AND ONE YEAR LATER....

Click here for "Powering the Mars Rover",  Aerospace Engineering, June 2004 (this is in PDF format)