Saft Li-ion batteries to power GOES-R series weather satellites for NASA and NOAA

Saft Li-ion batteries to power GOES-R series weather satellites for NASA and NOAA

COCKEYSVILLE, Md. (May 23 2012) —Saft has been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, valued at more than $10 million, to provide lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries for the first two Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites-R series (GOES-R and GOES-S). The next-generation weather satellites are being procured by NASA and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) to provide a platform for Earth, solar and space-viewing instruments.

Saft will supply its high-energy VL 48E batteries, which meet the unique capacity and temperature requirements for the GOES-R satellite program. Qualified to endure the rigors of long life operation in space, the batteries are capable of providing power for the satellite’s critical functions throughout its 15-year life span.

“Saft’s space qualified high-energy Li-ion batteries have a long history of performing in satellite applications. This is our largest ever satellite contract to date,” said Thomas Alcide, general manager of Saft’s Specialty Battery Group. “We’re pleased Lockheed Martin and Saft are embarking on this relationship to develop and build large Li-ion batteries for their demanding GEO applications such as the GOES-R series.”

The GOES-R series of satellites will gather data for enhanced observations, weather forecasting, ecosystems management and monitoring of changing climatic conditions. Using highly advanced instruments and sensors, the satellites will provide approximately 60 times more weather and environmental data than is available with NOAA’s current fleet of geostationary satellites for more timely and accurate weather forecasts. The first launch is scheduled for 2015.

The NOAA Satellite and Information Service funds, manages, and will operate the GOES-R program. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center oversees the acquisition of the GOES-R spacecraft and instruments for NOAA. Lockheed Martin is designing and will build the spacecraft. About Saft

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced technology batteries for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defence batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are also being deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication markets. Saft’s 4,000 employees present in 19 countries, its 16 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for the future. For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com

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