Rechargeable Lunar Battery

Survivability in low-temperature lunar conditions and sustained lunar surface operations require a new generation battery modules capable of operating in ambient conditions as low as -200 °C, combined with >200 Wh/kg specific energy at room temperature. Lunar surface temperatures range from -230 °C at night to -90 ÷ +120 °C during day, depending on latitude. It is critical for cell chemistry to support both charge and discharge at low temperature to enable continuous lunar surface operations. Conventional Li-ion cells degrade fast when repeatedly charged at low temperature due to lithium plating. A novel cell design expanding the temperature range of operation combined with novel battery thermal management is needed to address the extreme temperature challenges presented by upcoming NASA lunar and other missions.

• Secondary batteries for Lunar, Martian, and other cold world missions • Secondary batteries for high altitude science • Secondary batteries for military needs (e.g., microgrids) in terrestrial harsh environments (e.g., arctic and desert) • Commercial microgrid or reserve battery power in high-latitude locations • Commercial and scientific device power in high-elevations and deep sea environments

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.