NASA develops solid-state batteries for lunar South Pole conditions

NASA researchers developed solid-state batteries designed to operate at the Moon's South Pole, where nighttime temperatures plunge to minus 328 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 200 Celsius). The batteries use solid ceramic or polymer-based materials instead of liquid electrolytes found in traditional lithium-ion batteries.

During thermal vacuum testing at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, prototype cells operated up to 176 F (80 C), down to minus 76 F (minus 60 C), and with reduced performance down to minus 112 F (minus 80 C). Researchers proved for the first time that these cells can work down to minus 80 degrees Celsius.

The batteries sustained no damage after exposure to temperature extremes from 212 F (100 C) to minus 274 F (minus 170 C). They can survive the Moon's wild temperature swings without needing to be kept warm all the time, which could reduce the need for heavy thermal management systems in spacecraft and lunar habitats.

The batteries could power lunar rovers, emergency power packs for astronauts, and scientific instruments. They also could provide portable power for tools like drills that must operate in shadowed lunar craters.

The project is called SPEARS (Solid Power for Extreme Environment Adaptability and Resilience in Space). Donald Dornbusch serves as principal investigator at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Yi Lin serves as testing and research lead at NASA Langley. Ji Su serves as polymer materials scientist and task lead at NASA Langley.

The SPEARS project began in 2026 with funding through the Advanced Research and Technology division within NASA's Research and Technology Mission Directorate. NASA's Ames Research Center in California is developing flight hardware to test the batteries in space environments.

The technology could have Earth-based applications including automobiles, cell phones, communication devices, and drones. The chemistry can be tuned for energy, power, or durability depending on the application.