arissat-1 battery is failing faster than expected (看来不妙)
the arissat-1 battery performed as expected during the first week of operation. lower voltages during eclipse began to show up in the telemetry on 10 aug 2011. the voltages during eclipse have continued to decline causing the satellite to reset and go into emergency power mode on 12 aug.
after reset the satellite met (mission elapsed timer) goes to 000, waits during the 15 minute tx delay, the power management software checks the current voltage and power values and determines what power mode to operate the satellite. the power mode is re-determined at fixed intervals, especially during illuminated periods to provide the most transmitted signals while protecting the battery.
high power mode provides continuous transmission when sunlight is charging the battery. if the satellite has entered low power mode it will transmit for 40 seconds and remain idle for 2 minutes when in eclipse, or when the battery voltage is low.
additional information and explanation about the operation of the arissat-1/radioskaf-v power system can be found on the arissat1.org web site under the faq section.
the arissat-1 team is closely monitoring the situation and is pleased with how well the power management software is controlling the battery usage to prolong the lifetime of the battery and the satellite as much as possible.