Patent ID: 6027076
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: B64G,H02J

Abstract:
A method for powering a spacecraft, comprising the steps ofproviding a spacecraft having power-consuming components therein;providing in the spacecraft at least two independently controllable electrical storage batteries operably connected to the power-consuming components of the spacecraft, each battery being operable in a higher-temperature range and inactivated in a lower-temperature range, including a first battery and a second battery;first operating both the first battery and the second battery in the higher-temperature range during a first period of time; thereaftersecond operating the first battery in the higher-temperature range during a second period of time, the second battery being non-operational and in the lower-temperature range during the second period of time; thereafterthird operating both the first battery and the second battery in the higher-temperature range during a third period of time; and thereafterfourth operating the second battery in the higher-temperature range during a fourth period of time, the first battery being non-operational and in the lower-temperature range during the fourth period of time.