High Energy Density, Long Cycle Life Li-S Batteries for Space Applications

ADA Technologies, Inc. (ADA) proposes the development and subsequent manufacturing/commercialization of our high specific energy (>400 Wh/kg) nanoengineered lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery technology to meet National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) energy storage needs for lunar/space applications. Next generation lunar/space platforms will be equipped with significantly increased capabilities compared to today’s systems requiring a transcendent increase in battery specific energy (>400 Wh/kg) while maintaining a long operational life (thousands of cycles at various depth of discharge) and long shelf/service life (multiple years). The rechargeable Li-S battery is an attractive Next Generation, Beyond Li-Ion system that can satisfy the requisite specific energy demands. ADA’s solution addresses fundamental challenges associated with Li-S battery chemistries to provide performance and reliability/safety advantages, compared to state of the art (SOA). Promising results have been demonstrated in ADA preliminary studies, representing a great potential to meet NASA performance and safety goals.

A successful technology development effort of ADA rechargeable Li-S battery technology will benefit current and emerging NASA next generation lunar/space applications including landers, habitats, science platforms, robotic and crewed rovers. Our enabling Li-S battery technology can also ideally be applied to other NASA space programs such as the Moon to Mars Campaign.

ADA next generation Li-S batteries are application agnostic and can be used in DoD next generation spacecraft (reconnaissance, navigation, communications satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles) and in commercial markets including electric drive vehicles that can benefit from ADA advanced Li-S batteries to significantly increase drive range with enhanced safety.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.