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Missouri-Made Batteries Power NASA Spacecraft

  • March 28, 2019

Late in 2018, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft reached it destination, the asteroid Bennu, and from launch to arrival it was powered by Missouri-made batteries. Joplin, Missouri-based EaglePicher Technologies designed the batteries that helped power the launch, and have been at work throughout the trip powering the spacecraft’s onboard electronics.

The OSIRIS-Rex, which stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer, launched on September 8, 2016 with a mission to rendezvous with the near-Earth asteroid, Bennu, study it and return an uncontaminated sample. According to NASA, scientists think that asteroids like Bennu “may have been a source of water and organic molecules for the early Earth and other planetary bodies.” By analyzing an actual sample from Bennu, they hope to gain a deeper understanding of how planets formed as well as learn more about asteroids that could impact Earth.

This isn’t the only spacecraft to be powered by Missouri-made batteries. The energy storage created right here in Missouri powers several of NASA’s space program, including the InSight Lander and Curiosity missions on Mars.

For more information on Missouri’s empowered energy solutions industry check out our webpage, or contact Subash Alias, Interim CEO of Missouri Partnership, at 314.932.3973 or via our contact form. We’d be happy to answer any questions you might have, and show you how Missouri Partnership can help with your business expansion, collaboration and investment needs.

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