November 14, 2016 - Orbital ATK has announced they are working on the first space Commercial Servicing Vehicle (CSV) for its MEV-1 (Mission Extension Vehicle) program.
This CSV will take control of the attitude and propulsion of an orbiting spacecraft and provide a servicing mission in order to extend the life of the satellite. In orbit, this CSV is expected to have a minimum lifespan of 15 years and will have the ability to service multiple satellites. It has a design similar to Orbital ATK’s GEOstar, and will feature the ability to dock and undock using the existing features on customers’ spacecraft.
The MEV will have the ability to extend the mission life of multiple satellites during its 15 year lifetime. This launch is scheduled for late 2018, with the vision to create a fleet of deployed MEVs to service both government and commercial GEO satellites.
For powering of the MEV, Orbital ATK has chosen EaglePicher to provide the program’s flight proven batteries. EPT’s batteries will use GS Yuasa’s LSE110 Lithium Ion Cells, providing the capacity and voltage required to support the MEV power needs.
“EaglePicher is pleased to join forces with GS Yuasa to manufacture a battery for this cutting-edge technology”, said Ron Nowlin, Vice President and General Manager of Defense and Aerospace at EaglePicher, “This could very well be the next big market for commercial space, and we are proud to be part of it.”
About EaglePicher Technologies, LLC
EaglePicher Technologies has been a leading producer of batteries and energetic devices for more than one hundred years, currently serving the defense, space and aviation industries. The company provides unmatched experience and capability in battery electrochemistry. EaglePicher also provides custom battery assemblies, battery management systems, pyrotechnic devices and custom power solutions. EaglePicher Technologies is headquartered in St. Louis, Mo., and is ISO9001:2008 and AS9100C certified. For more information, visit www.eaglepicher.com
About Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies. The company designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK employs approximately 12,000 people in 18 states across the U.S. and in several international locations. For more information, visit www.orbitalatk.com.
