In-Space Hybrid Energy Storage System Demonstration on CSUNSat1

Under the Small Satellite Technology Partnership Initiative, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and California State University, Northridge (CSUN) have developed a Cubesat, and associated payload, to demonstrate a JPL Hybrid Energy Storage System consisting of a new JPL electrolyte Li-ion chemistry, coupled with high-power super-capacitors. This energy storage system meets the needs of small spacecraft and in situ instruments that require energy storage technology that can operate at low temperatures and provide power for payloads such as communications and propulsion. A CSUN team of four faculty and over 70 students designed, built, and testing a customized spacecraft to test the JPL payload in space. NASA's CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) is funding the launch which is currently scheduled for March 19, 2017. After deployment, the ground station at CSUN will be used to conduct the mission. This funding is to prepare for and conduct operations during the mission.