Dr. Kailasavadivoo Sivan, Chairman ISRO Photo K.Murali Kumar   | Photo Credit: K.Murali Kumar

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed a technology transfer agreement with Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd for the manufacture of space grade lithium ion cells for the space programme and other national requirements.

BHEL said it would set up a facility at its Bengaluru unit to make the cells using ISRO technology.

The Li-ion batteries power various applications on satellites and launch vehicles. Currently BHEL assembles and tests Li ion batteries using imported cells. "The technology can also be extended for use in the emerging areas of energy storage and e-mobility," the public sector major said.

ISRO said its rocketry centre Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre at Thiruvananthapuram has developed the technology to produce space grade Li ion cells.

The agreement was signed by S.Somanath, VSSC Director, and S. Biswas, BHEL's Director (Engg, R&D) at ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru on Thursday. ISRO Chairman K. Sivan, and BHEL CMD Atul Sobti were present.

Perkin discovered the first synthetic dye, known as mauveine.