Batteries

Li-ion batteries (LIB) used in satellites are considered dangerous goods of Class 9 by the United Nations. As dangerous goods, they require a full risk assessment, which includes all stages of design, sourcing, testing, operational life, demise and recovery.

Key considerations for batteries include

Whether your battery is safe, sustainable and fit for purpose
Whether the operational use of your battery is safe and sustainable

Part of: Power System

4 stages Concerns21

Filter risks

Lifecycle Stage

Environmental Concern

Risks (4)

Battery thermal runaway

High

Risk of lithium-ion batteries overheating and causing fire or explosion, potentially leading to satellite fragmentation and debris creation.

1 obligation

Environmental degradation

High

Batteries are typically made of lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, or lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide which are limited natural resources

Uncontrolled re-entry debris

High

Satellite components surviving atmospheric re-entry may impact populated areas, posing risks to human safety and causing ground contamination.

3 obligations1 opportunity

Canthode materials

Medium

Cathode material breakdown

No risks match the current filters.