The 273W-hr battery pack for the rover was assembled this week from parts designed and created in-house, save for the cells procured from hybrid car battery maker A123.

Each of the yellowish-green A123 cells are about the size of a standard D cell for a flashlight. Nine are placed in series, with plastic spacers that include spring clips to maintain contact as temperature variations cause expansion and contraction in the cells' length. At the top of the photo, another plastic piece spans the three ends connecting the first row to the second row, and providing an attach point for the power cord at the end of the third row.




The photos above show the nine-cell battery pack before and after its cover is attached using the locking teeth mechanism. The rover will carry two battery packs to provide surge power and for periods when the solar panels aren't illuminated.

Photos by Guillermo Gomez