How does satellites have sufficient energy in the space?
What happens when the Sun is hidden? Solar power generation is very convenient in space, especially because there are no clouds and the Sun never sets. Or does it? Satellites orbiting the Earth pass through a shadow region on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun. Depending on the type of orbit, this can happen just a few times a year or every few hours. During these so-called ‘eclipses’, the solar panels cannot produce electrical energy and the satellite would not only be unable to operate, but would also freeze to incredibly low temperatures (eventually around –270°C) if a backup power source were not available. Electrical energy therefore has to be stored onboard the spacecraft when in sunlight for consumption during these eclipses. There are essentially two ways of storing electrical energy that are used on satellites, both of which rely on reversible chemical reactions. One is based on cells very similar to those found in portable phones and other equipment with rechargeable
