Flight test demonstration of a flywheel energy storage system on the International Space Station

The purpose of this program is to develop and demonstrate a flywheel energy storage device on the International Space Station (ISS) as a flight experiment. The longterm goal of this activity is to upgrade the energy storage ISS capability of ISS by replacing degraded batteries with flywheel energy storage units. Batteries wear out due to the normal charge/discharge cycling within 3-5 years of operation. Flywheels are expected to have a life expectancy of at least 10 years. Ultimate lifetimes of 20 years are anticipated.