Low-Temperature Secondary Batteries for the Lunar Surface

Future science missions to the lunar surface and Mars will require advanced secondary battery systems that can operate at extremely low temperatures. Therefore, there is a critical need for battery systems that can both operate at extremely low temperatures and also have a high specific energy and energy density. Conventional commercial rechargeable Li-ion cells operate within a narrow temperature range of -20 to 40 ºC, Improved batteries that minimize the need for strict thermal management, which adds to the mass of the spacecraft, are critically needed. TDA Research is solving this problem by developing 18650 cells that perform well down to -60 °C. Our solution is based on a hybrid battery design that uses high energy density anodes and cathodes, a low temperature liquid electrolyte and a new artificial cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer. This new chemistry allows for cycling down to -60 C by reducing the charge transfer resistance at the cathode that normally limits cell performance at low temperatures. This accelerated development project will scale-up 18650 cell production, integrate them into 4S2P modules, certify them to UN38.3 and UL1642, partially evaluate them against JSC-20793, advance them to TRL 6, and prepare them for future lunar mission infusion.

The targeted NASA application is for energy storage (batteries) that do not require excessive thermal management when used on the lunar surface. NASA has specifically identified this need, and it is the primary target application. Similarly, extreme temperature tolerant batteries would serve additional NASA missions (Mars, Titan, etc.). There is an immense dual-use commercial market low temperature lithium batteries on Earth. Electric vehicles, electric aircraft and numerous other energy storage applications (including military) would greatly benefit from being able to work below -40 ºC.

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.