Safe, High Energy Batteries for Space Suits

NASA requires breakthrough battery cell technologies that are much safer than current state-of-the-art lithium-ion cell technologies in order to achieve NASAs far-term energy storage goals for human and robotic missions. A new generation of spacesuits is needed to support EVAs for future surface exploration missions. These new suits will require decreased mass and volume, improved functionality, and excellent reliability. The battery pack will be the main source of power and weight and needs to provide an energy source for life-support functions, communications, system health status, and other needs. In addition, the battery must operate safely under harsh conditions of extreme temperatures, mechanical injury, and tolerate radiation. There are major safety concerns related to thermal runaway and the potential for cells to explode. NOHMs Technologies is proposing to develop non-flammable hybrid electrolytes for safe, high energy density, high voltage, and high power batteries for space suit applications. The development of non-flammable electrolyte formulations is critical for expanding the use of high energy, high voltage batteries for space applications. NOHMs proposed electrolytes operate over a wide temperature range, and are electrochemically stable to ensure long battery lifetimes. The proposed technology is based on innovative functional hybrid materials developed by NOHMs Technologies, Inc.

Next-generation space platforms using unmanned space vehicles, space suits, landers, and satellites will demand more power to sustain long range missions and complex sensing capability. Our battery technology with safety and high energy density can enhance capabilities and extend the duration of future NASA space missions.

NOHMs is developing safe electrolytes for a range of products. NOHMs will use advanced space and defense applications to prove the technology, then transition to larger commercial markets (e.g. electric vehicles), for which size, weight, and battery life are critical. With its advantages in safety and performance NOHMs Technologies battery is uniquely positioned to be a disruptive force.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.