A Martian Air Battery

This project will investigate an entirely new battery chemistry by developing A Martian Air Battery. Specifically the project will explore the concept of a Martian battery that utilizes in-situ resources to produce energy for NASA applications. Our experience producing high-energy air cathodes for our work with existing metal-air systems will be utilized during this program. Our established air cathodes will be modified, to accommodate a Martian environment, and incorporated into cells. Several different chemically composed cathodes will be investigated. The anticipated result of the phase 1 project is a new battery. Advantages of the proposed Martian battery include a light weight source for in-situ energy production. In addition the conceptual battery will be capable of atmospheric gas collection and separation.

The proposed metal-air cell has a broad range of commercial applications from storing energy for satellites in space to powering robots deep beneath the ocean floor. Metal-air cells have the potential to replace other cells and batteries currently used to power electronic equipment. The strength of the system is its very high energy density and specific energy. Its lightweight nature and flexible design provide it adaptability to many commercial products such as cell phones and computers.

The proposed high specific energy Martian battery has the potential to produce energy utilizing in-situ resources on Mars. The Martian battery could provide energy storage for astronaut equipment and habitats, vehicles, robots and other electronics. This technology may also be used to collect and separate atmospheric gasses.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.