Energy Storage

• The launch will take place with a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at Cape Canaveral in June 2025.
• The new CIDETEC spin-off will thus validate its new high energy density modular batteries using the Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) platform called OSSIE provided by UARX Space..

LANZO Batteries, CIDETEC’s new spin-off, will validate a new battery technology designed for the aerospace sector with a launch to be held in June 2025. The battery will provide back-up power five times a day, activating once every three orbits. This mission will evaluate all of the battery’s characteristics in orbit, travelling aboard UARX Space’s Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) platform.

According to Jesús Marcos, CEO of LANZO Batteries, “with this launch, LANZO batteries will be qualified in orbit, ensuring the reliability of our products for future space missions”. The LANZO battery will be integrated with the OSSIE OTV satellite platform made by the company UARX Space OSSIE, which serves as a testbed for a variety of experiments, making it the perfect scenario for testing the effectiveness of LANZO’s new high power density modular batteries.

The launch will take place from Cape Canaveral using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission, which will reach an altitude of 500-600 km, will remain in orbit for at least six months and could be extended up to two years depending on the results. During their stay, the batteries and battery management system (BMS) will be monitored to assess their performance in the space environment.

“We are very pleased to be able to work alongside LANZO, giving us the possibility to provide with our OTV not only the capability to deploy satellites, but also to offer the in-orbit validation service for products that want to achieve their heritage in space as required by their batteries”, said Federico Perazzo Business Development Manager of UARX Space.

Since LANZO batteries use commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, the main objective is to ensure that there is no reduction in performance during their lifetime in space environmental conditions. This will demonstrate the functionality and reliability of the system, underlining LANZO Batteries’ ability to safely maintain flight elements.

Celebrated at CIE Automotive facilities

The BATSS consortium, coordinated by CIDETEC Energy Storage, held a productive General Assembly at the CIE Automotive facilities in Spain, marking a significant milestone in the project’s first six months. This meeting brought together partners to review progress, discuss advancements, and plan future activities.

During the assembly, the consortium reviewed the progress made in the areas of thermal, mechanical, and electrical innovations, as well as safety and circularity concerns of the battery system. Key achievements included the definition of the battery system requirements by FPT Motorenforschung, as well as the completion of the cell electro-thermal preliminary model by IFP Energies Nouvelles, crucial milestones for the project’s development and success.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for partners to discuss and plan the next steps of the project, addressing potential risks to ensure awareness for the upcoming phases. The discussions included possible strategies for effective collaboration, industry challenges, and opportunities for further innovation.

In addition to the assembly, participants had the chance to visit the Fundación CIE Automotive engineering offices at the Automotive Intelligence Center, offering further insights into the practical applications and engineering excellence driving the project.

About BATSS:

BATSS (Safe Efficient BATtery SyStem based on advanced cell technology) is an EU-funded project aimed at developing a cutting-edge battery system that prioritises safety and performance. By focusing on innovative cell-to-pack modular concepts and addressing key industry challenges, BATSS strives to enhance battery technology for transport and mobile applications.

For more information about BATSS and its latest developments, visit our website and follow us on social media.