Roswell, Ga – The year 2020 will be one many wish to forget. A once in a century global pandemic challenged us all to find new ways to live and work. Early on at GS Yuasa Lithium Power (GYLP) we approached the rising pandemic with caution and strived to follow all local, state, and federal guidance. Contingency plans intended for short term deployment evolved into long term strategies to help keep our associates safe. GYLP’s ability to adapt to these new business conditions resulted another year of strong support to our customers. At our manufacturing facility located in Roswell, Georgia GYLP continues to produce ultra-reliable batteries for critical space and national defense related programs on schedule.
Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems (NGIS) and GYLP continue to share a strong working relationship. This year GYLP manufactured and supplied the flight batteries that are schedule to be used for the NG-17 ISS resupply mission. This will be the 17th flight of the Cygnus vehicle to resupply the International Space Station. GYLP has delivered 57 flight batteries in support of the COTS/CRS/CRS2 contract since 2011.
GYLP also delivered several LSE190 8-cell packs for ground testing by an independent aerospace lab. The packs are based on our internally designed and developed MA-190 modular battery platform. The test lab will evaluate their performance in a “test as you fly” configuration targeting geosynchronous orbit applications.
In addition to batteries, GYLP managed several aerospace cell deliveries in 2020. The LSE family of configuration controlled, ultra-high reliability Li-ion cells are manufactured by our sister company GS Yuasa Technology (GYT) in Kyoto, Japan. Boeing took receipt of a large quantity of LSE190 cells (190Ah, 3.75V) – an order fulfilled under a long term agreement. These cells will power a Boeing 702MP+ satellite being manufactured in El Segundo, California. Boeing named GYLP a Supplier of the Year for 2019.
GYLP also supplied power optimized LSE102 (102Ah, 3.75V) cells to EaglePicher Technologies. EaglePicher will integrate the cells into their space qualified batteries for deployment in a satellite application. This cell delivery adds to the several already provided to support this important space program. In addition to the LSE102-based battery, EaglePicher has an extensive portfolio of space qualified batteries with flight heritage built upon the GS Yuasa LSE family of cells.
Finally, GYLP is proud to announce the launch of our newly designed website. The new website has been revamped to offer a better user experience and emphasize our focus on Aerospace, Undersea, and Defense related applications. More updates are coming soon so check back frequently!
The impact the pandemic has had on us personally cannot be overstated. Still, GYLP is a family and a resilient team. Through the discipline and personal responsibility of our employees, we have been able to accommodate changes necessitated by circumstance without impact to our operations or obligations. We’re looking forward to a time we can properly celebrate the completion of the installation of our Li-ion technology in the ISS. GYLP is excited for the opportunities and challenges that 2021 will bring. We are grateful for the trust and confidence our partners continue to have in our support of critical aerospace and defense programs.
Best of luck to all in 2021 from the Team at GS Yuasa Lithium Power.