The Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) of NASA is currently investing their resources in the development of new technologies that will pave the way for a more in-depth exploration of outer space. They have expressed continued commitment to explore what lies beyond the Earth orbit – specifically, the neighboring planet Mars.
According to Science Daily, part of their efforts include the development of an improved energy storage battery. This is part of STMD’s aim to deliver innovative solutions to the high-priority challenges of space travel. Apparently, there is an existing challenge for energy storage that would be able to support long term power requirements in outer space.
In the past few decades, NASA relied on the conventional battery power for their space travels. However, if they wish to widen their outer space exploration reach, they need to come up with new energy capabilities. They will look into improvements in the chemistry and packaging designs of lithium batteries. They also aim to develop devices that can outperform current lithium cells.
STMD is calling out for proposals from scientists, engineers and researchers so they can develop the right battery pack that can supply a specific energy load that is in excess of 350-watt hours per kilogram. This is two times more than the current capacity of existing packs. This development will have to maintain safe and acceptable operational levels.
The need for a new and improved energy storage battery is joined by other developments, like recycling breathable oxygen in spacecraft environments. If successful, both of these will allow space explorers to spend more time on missions at one time.
The announcement of the Discovery 2014 Program of NASA hopes to launch the new technologies by December 2021. The technologies that will emerge from the program aim to allow new space missions, contribute to the US global competitiveness, stimulate the economy and inspire a new generation of engineers, scientists and explorers.
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