Impact Videos
ISS Lithium-Ion Battery Impact Test
This test was undertaken for the International Space Station program in support of
the selection process for replacing the nickel-hydrogen batteries that were originally
implemented on the ISS. The test was performed to compare the reaction of a direct MMOD
impact on different Li-Ion battery designs. These batteries provide power to various
systems on the space station during orbital night, a period of 45 minutes when the ISS
is in darkness. This test was designed to observe the batteries reaction to an impact
that penetrates the surrounding protective shielding. Testing was performed in a
partial vacuum to simulate on-orbit conditions.
Projectile Information
Material | Aluminum |
Shape | Spherical |
Diameter | 0.4 inches | Mass | 1.5 grams |
Velocity | 15,211 miles per hour |
Impact Angle | 0 degrees |
Testing Aftermath
Successful impacts on the test article are extensively photographed to record
resulting damage and to supplement post-test analysis. The following images
are from the ISS Lithium-Ion battery hypervelocity impact test. This test
helped characterize the damage to a Li-Ion battery resulting from a direct
impact and will help in understanding how a direct MMOD hit to a battery
may affect the ISS.