NASA is advancing new battery technology that can thrive in the brutal thermal extremes of the lunar surface. As part of the planned manned return to the Moon (under the Artemis program), energy storage systems must endure environments where nighttime temperatures drop to a frigid minus 328° Fahrenheit and daytime heat can exceed 212°F.
As they are, lithium-ion cells possess liquid electrolytes that quickly freeze, rupture, or degrade in deep space temperatures, requiring massive, power-consuming heating systems just to stay operational. With that in mind, NASA's Glenn Research Center, Langley Research Center, and Ames Research Center have partnered on the Solid Power for Extreme Environment Adaptability and Resilience in Space (SPEARS) project. SPEARS batteries rely on advanced solid ceramic or polymers, which can better withstand the extreme lunar environment.
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During thermal vacuum testing, prototype coin-cell batteries proved they could successfully operate in temperatures as low as minus 112°F (minus 80°C) and up to 176 F (80°C). Even more importantly, the test cells survived complete thermal cycles ranging from minus 274°F (minus 170°C) up to 212°F (100°C) without structural damage.
While the batteries do not generate power while cooled to their absolute coldest limit, their solid-state design prevents internal freezing damage. Once integrated, small heating elements can quickly warm the cells back up to operational temperatures when power is needed. This capability reduces the need for complex thermal management hardware on lunar landers, habitats, and surface vehicles, saving precious mass and boosting overall mission efficiency.
Moreover, the modular nature of SPEARS allows researchers to tune the battery’s internal chemistry based on specific mission demands—optimizing for higher energy density, maximum power output, or long-term durability. Potential space applications range from powering hand tools used in permanently shadowed craters to backing up emergency life-support packs and energizing long-duration lunar rovers.
If you were to look outside of lunar applications, NASA note that advancements in the SPEARS program could eventually translate into commercial terrestrial applications. Space-rated solid-state tech could very well enhance the safety, temperature tolerance, and efficiency of Earth-bound electronics, including EVs, commercial drones, cell phones, and grid-scale energy storage systems operating in extreme climates. For EVs specifically, this battery breakthrough could, in theory, lead to longer ranges in colder climates and/or during frigid winter months.
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