Discharge characteristics of lithium-polymer batteries

Lithium-polymer batteries are used in many devices ranging from cell phones to electric vehicles, with possible uses in space-related applications. In this paper we present a study aimed at exploring the feasibility of using lithium polymer batteries in the context of small satellite experimentation where they are constantly being charged and discharged as the satellite system is illuminated and shadowed in its trajectory. Specifically, we performed testing on a common 5,000 mA-h lithium-polymer battery to evaluate its performance and lifespan, and we observed that the battery lifetime decreases as the number of charging/discharging cycles increases.