NASA has developed and tested solid-state batteries under the SPEARS project, designed to function in extreme lunar environments. The research involves the Glenn, Langley, and Ames research centers, focusing on replacing traditional liquid electrolyte lithium-ion batteries that require energy-intensive heating systems.
The new batteries utilize solid ceramic or polymer materials to withstand temperatures ranging from -200 °C at night to over +100 °C during the day. During testing in a thermal vacuum chamber, coin-cell prototypes operated between -80 °C and +80 °C and survived thermal cycling from -170 °C to +100 °C without structural damage.
The modular architecture of the SPEARS project allows for adjusting the chemical composition of the batteries to prioritize energy density, power output, or lifespan. These power sources are intended for lunar rovers, life support systems, and handheld tools used in permanently shadowed craters.
NASA notes that the technology could eventually be applied to terrestrial sectors, including electric vehicles, commercial drones, and energy storage systems. For electric vehicles, the technology could theoretically improve driving range in cold weather conditions by reducing the need for complex thermal management.
