NASA Tests Solid-State Batteries for Lunar Missions

NASA researchers are advancing battery technology designed to operate in the extreme conditions of the Moon’s South Pole, where nighttime temperatures can drop to minus 328 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 200 Celsius). The project, known as Solid Power for Extreme Environment Adaptability and Resilience in Space (SPEARS), aims to support future lunar operations by providing reliable power sources that do not rely on liquid electrolytes, which freeze or evaporate in space environments.

Overcoming Extreme Temperatures

Traditional lithium-ion batteries use liquid electrolytes that become ineffective when exposed to the Moon’s temperature swings. According to NASA, cooling a conventional battery to lunar night temperatures causes the liquid to freeze, while daytime temperatures of 212 F (100 C) can prevent operation until the battery cools. Additionally, exposure to the vacuum of space causes liquid electrolytes to evaporate.

SPEARS addresses these issues by replacing liquid electrolytes with solid ceramic- or polymer-based materials. During recent thermal vacuum testing at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, prototype cells operated effectively up to 176 F (80 C) and down to minus 76 F (minus 60 C). Performance was slightly reduced at minus 112 F (minus 80 C).

“We proved for the first time that these cells can work down to minus 80 degrees Celsius,” said Yi Lin, SPEARS testing and research lead at NASA Langley.

The testing also demonstrated that the batteries do not sustain damage after exposure to temperature extremes ranging from 212 F (100 C) to minus 274 F (minus 170 C). While the batteries do not function at such low temperatures, the solid electrolytes do not freeze like liquids, allowing the cells to survive the cold. Small heaters are used to warm the batteries to operational temperatures, which NASA states could reduce the need for heavy thermal management systems in spacecraft and habitats.

Tunable Chemistry for Various Applications

The SPEARS project is led by Donald Dornbusch, principal investigator at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Dornbusch emphasized the necessity of reliable power for lunar activities.

“Batteries have become an important part of our lives here on Earth, which enable our laptops, cell phones, power tools, and even our vehicles,” said Dornbusch. “We will need them on the Moon, too, and these batteries will be required to operate reliably and safely in this harsh environment. That’s why we’re working on this technology.”

Yi Lin noted that the chemistry of the solid-state batteries can be adjusted for different needs, similar to how different chemistries are used in earbuds, phones, and cars.

“We can tune the chemistry by using different electrode materials,” said Lin. “Just like the chemistry in your earbuds is different from the chemistry in your phone, which is different from the chemistry in your car, all these chemistries can still function with a solid electrolyte. We can tune for energy, tune for power, tune for durability, depending on the application.”

Potential for Earth-Based Use

While SPEARS is designed for space, the technology has potential applications on Earth. Ji Su, a polymer materials scientist and task lead at NASA Langley, highlighted the broad market potential.

“The potential market for solid-state batteries is very broad,” said Su. “Automobiles, cell phones, communication devices, drones — anything that needs a portable power supply.”

The SPEARS project began in 2026 with funding from the Advanced Research and Technology division within NASA’s Research and Technology Mission Directorate. NASA’s Ames Research Center in California is developing flight hardware, such as test boards and electronics, to prepare the batteries for spaceflight testing.

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Sources

• nasa.gov: NASA Develops Batteries to Power Humanity's Return to Moon - NASA

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