COCKEYSVILLE, Md. (January 11, 2011) — Saft is preparing to fill its next order for lithium-ion (Li-ion) space batteries as part of a five-year Long Term Agreement signed with Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems in 2009. Under the multi-million dollar contract, Saft will deliver 12 battery packs of high-energy Li-ion batteries for Boeing’s 702HP satellites being built for the Inmarsat-5 series.
The Saft batteries, with VES140S cells, will power three new Ka-band satellites, adding to Inmarsat’s current fleet of 11 GEO satellites. These satellites provide a wide range of voice and data services through an established global network of distributors and service providers. Each Inmarsat-5 satellite will carry 89 Ka-band beams that will operate in geosynchronous orbit with flexible global coverage.
Saft’s batteries will offer 15kW of onboard power for the satellites’ critical systems in a low-weight package. With up to 18 years of battery life, the rechargeable Li-ion batteries will ensure continuous, reliable operation of the satellites at times when the satellite and its solar panels are in eclipse.
“This additional order to the Boeing-Saft Long Term Agreement extends our heritage in space and further increases the 50+ satellites which have relied on Saft’s proven Li-ion technology,” said Thomas Alcide, general manager of Saft’s Specialty Battery Group and president, Saft America, Inc. “We are pleased that Boeing once again trusted Saft’s expertise for the Inmarsat-5 program and we are confident our batteries will contribute to the mission’s success.”
About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defense. Saft is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialized advanced technologies for the defense and space industries and world leader in lithium-ion satellite batteries. Saft is also delivering its lithium-ion technology to new applications in clean vehicles and renewable energy storage. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 19 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in the SBF 120 index on the Paris Stock Market.
For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com
Press Contacts:
Jill Ledger, Saft Corporate Communications and Institutional Relations Director
Tel.: +33 1 49 93 17 77, e-mail: jill.ledger@saftbatteries.com
Ben Helminen, Saft Specialty Battery Group, Director of Marketing and Strategic Development.
Tel.: +33 1 49 93 18 65, e-mail: ben.helminen@saftbatteries.com
Annie Sennet-Cassity, Saft America Inc., SDD Director of Sales
Tel: 410-568-6439, e-mail: annie.sennet-cassity@saftbatteries.com
U.S. Press contact: Paige Parker, French/West/Vaughan
Tel.: 919-277-1162, e-mail: pparker@fwv-us.com
