Saft’s proven track record in delivering high-performance lithium-ion (Li-ion) technology for space applications has landed the battery manufacturer an 18-satellite contract with MicroSat Systems, Inc. (MSI). This contract marks the largest single order ever for microsatellite batteries.

“Saft’s Li-ion cells have established a significant flight heritage on GEO, MEO and LEO satellites,” said Thomas Alcide, General Manager of Saft’s Specialty Battery Group. “This contract further validates Saft’s ability to successfully compete in all satellite markets, from providing power for the largest GEO satellites in orbit today to becoming the first to provide Li-ion technology for a LEO constellation program.”

MSI contracted Saft to provide rechargeable Li-ion batteries for the 18 satellites the company is building for ORBCOMM’s Generation 2 (OG2) constellation program. MSI is a Littleton, Colorado based company that offers high-performance microsatellites and spacecraft subsystems for military, government and commercial customers. By combining the best traditional and innovative engineering techniques, MSI delivers reliable, cost-effective satellites that can stand alone or supplement existing satellite systems to accommodate a range of new mission applications.

The OG2 satellites will be based on the same design MSI developed for NASA’s TacSat-2 satellite, a modular, reliable bus capable of accommodating a large payload mass. Each OG2 satellite will be equipped with an enhanced communications payload designed to increase subscriber capacity by up to 12 times more than the current ORBCOMM satellites, enabling customers to transmit more data at greater speeds.

Headquartered in Fort Lee, NJ, ORBCOMM provides low-cost and reliable two-way data communications products that are installed on trucks, containers, marine vessels, locomotives, backhoes, pipelines, oil wells, utility meters, storage tanks and other assets. ORBCOMM currently operates 29 satellites in six orbital planes that provide worldwide coverage for its customers.

In order to retain the relatively small size of ORBCOMM’s LEO satellites, the satellite must be able to operate under significantly lower power requirements than geostationary satellites. Specifically designed for space applications, Saft’s high voltage Li-ion cells enable the satellite to carry a larger payload by reducing an average 50% of its weight. Additionally, Li-ion’s low thermal power and high energy efficiency enables installation of smaller solar panels and battery radiators, further reducing critical weight of the satellite.

Saft will deliver its medium prismatic (MP) microsatellite batteries beginning in 2009. The rechargeable batteries will provide power to the satellite when it is blocked from the sun.

Saft’s Li-ion technology has been used in space for several years and the fully integrated battery systems are already deployed in key space applications such as launchers, satellites, ATVs, probes, power tools and planetary rovers. In addition to MSI, Saft works with a number of high-profile companies, including Alcatel, Boeing, EADS Astrium, Galileo Industries and Orbital Sciences, among others.

About Saft

Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defense. Saft is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialized advanced technologies for the defense and space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide.

For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com.