A payload of six Aerojet Rocketdyne lithium-ion batteries has been delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) to provide power for the astronauts to continue their research.

Upon installation, the batteries will become part of the high-power space electrical power system (EPS).

Aerojet Rocketdyne has made some key contributions for the space station's EPS design, which includes the batteries, solar arrays and power distribution system.

“It's a privilege to know our lithium-ion batteries are helping to make that possible.”

Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and president Eileen Drake said: “Efficient, reliable and safe electrical power systems are absolutely critical for the astronauts who live on the ISS. It's also important for the research they conduct to better understand life in space and here on Earth.

“It's a privilege to know our lithium-ion batteries are helping to make that possible.”

The lithium-ion batteries payload includes safety features such as voltage, temperature and cell-overcharge monitoring, making them a reliable and efficient power source for the ISS.

The new lithium-ion batteries will be replacing 12 of the space station's nickel hydrogen (Ni-H2) batteries, and provide a more efficient form of energy storage.

The batteries are designed to operate at least ten years, and 18 additional lithium-ion batteries will be launched to the space station in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Aerojet Rocketdyne has designed and built 31 lithium-ion orbital replacement units that include two engineering units, two qualification units and 27 flight units.

A total of 24 Aerojet Rocketdyne lithium-ion batteries will replace all 48 existing Ni-H2 batteries, and be installed on the EPS to supplies power to the ISS.