SMC-S-018

Abstract

<strong>Purpose</strong> <br>This TOR establishes requirements and guidelines for the development, testing, storage, handling, and usage of lithium-ion cells and batteries for launch vehicle applications, including booster and upper stages. Compliance with this document is intended to assure a high-reliability product for achieving suitable battery performance during mission. <br>Lithium-ion-based batteries are an evolving technology that has seen little use in launch vehicles to date. They are attractive over the primary batteries more commonly used because full electrical performance, including voltage regulation and capacity, can be directly verified on the flight hardware prior to use. It is expected that these standards will require amendment as these batteries are used and lessons specific to the challenges of the lithium-ion technology are learned. <br><strong>Application</strong> <br>This standard, along with the associated citations, is intended for reference in applicable launch vehicle specifications or other documents to incorporate common requirements and practices necessary to assure successful battery operation during launches to space. <br><strong>Conflicts With Other Standards</strong> <br>The requirements herein are meant to augment and clarify those expressed in MIL STD 1540E regarding the use of lithium-ion batteries in launch vehicles. They have also been prepared so as not to conflict with launch site system safety requirements or Range Safety requirements for using lithium-ion batteries in flight termination systems. However, the appropriate range documentation should be consulted for any intended use of lithium-ion batteries at the launch site or in flight termination systems.