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

The overarching objective in Phase II Extended is mass reduction, low temperature and rate enhancement, and scale-up of an ADA Li‑S battery technology to smallsat market needs. ADA’s Li-S configuration is targeted for high energy density, high rate capability, and robust cycle/shelf life for NASA lunar/space applications and other defense and commercial applications. This will be accomplished by achieving the following technical objectives. Technical Objective 1: Further develop/mature the Li-S battery technology via material engineering to achieve >300 Wh/kg at the cell level, 500 cycles at 70% DOD and low temperature operation (-20°C). Technical Objective 2: Demonstrate the Li-S battery technology in large format prototype cells with a subsequent manufacturing/commercialization roadmap for NASA lunar/space and aeronautics applications and United States Air Force and Space Force (USSF) space applications. Technical Objective 3: Fabricate pouches to enable 5781173 prismatic cells, and 18650 cells for AIAA S-144-202X characterization testing. During the Phase IIe program, ADA will work to re-design its 50 cycle (at 100% DOD), 200 Wh/kg 1.4 Ah Li-S configuration to achieve higher specific energy and longer cycle life for NASA and non-NASA applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles. This will be accomplished with the following work plan that will produce 18650 cells that will easily slipfit into small satellite standardized busses to enable TRL 7.

ADA’s Li-S configuration is targeted for high energy density, high rate capability, and robust cycle/shelf life for NASA lunar/space applications. Satellites, Planetary rovers, Manned space vehicles In addition, NASA is very interested in electric aircraft propulsion (EAP), so ADA will work with personnel at Glen Research Center (GRC) on this applications

Stakeholders at the United States Space Force Space Systems Command have placed Li-S chemistry on the SSC Battery Roadmap because they recognize it as an important technology for the development of next-generation advanced energy storage systems. US Army conformal wearable battery (CWB) US Army and Air Force small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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.