The International Space Station (ISS) has discarded its largest piece of space junk to-date – a 2.9-ton pallet of 48 nickel-hydrogen batteries. ‘The greater energy density of lithium-ion technology reduces the number of needed batteries (and launch vehicles), translating into fewer cargo manifest spots required for the batteries,’ the American space agency shared in a statement. Lithium-ion batteries were chosen following research proving their success on Earth, as they are designed to withstand intense heat and thermal events. Lithium-ion batteries were chosen following research proving their success on Earth, as they are designed to withstand intense heat and thermal eventsThe space station lithium-ion batteries also make use of a radiant barrier shield, first developed for rocket engines, to reduce the likelihood of a thermal event. And the cargo craft made its last departure before the final upgraded was completed – leaving the pallet on the ISS and forcing NASA to ‘jettison’ it on their own.

Source: Daily Mail March 15, 2021 19:07 UTC