NASA develops batteries built for the Moon's extreme temperatures
NASA has described its SPEARS project, which is developing solid-state batteries for extreme cold, with future Moon missions in mind. Ordinary lithium-ion batteries cannot cope with such conditions.
The US space agency NASA has shared details of a project to build batteries that can withstand extreme cold. The agency intends to use them on future missions to the Moon, such as those under the Artemis programme. Current battery technology is not suited to these conditions, which makes the work important for operating on the lunar surface.
Why ordinary batteries fall short
The lithium-ion batteries that power most electronics on Earth rely on a liquid electrolyte. At low temperatures it can freeze, damaging the battery. These batteries also stop working at very high temperatures, as anyone whose phone has shut off in a hot car may know.
During the lunar day, temperatures can reach 100 °C (212 °F). At night near the Moon's south pole, they can drop to as low as minus 200 °C (minus 328 °F).
The SPEARS project
SPEARS stands for Solid Power for Extreme Environment Adaptability and Resilience in Space. The project is developing a battery that uses a solid ceramic or polymer material in place of the liquid electrolyte.
These alternative batteries still have to be warmed up in order to work. So far, however, extreme cold has not damaged them, and they need thermal management systems that use less energy than those required by lithium-ion batteries.
Possible uses
The team is also developing the batteries for the harsh climate of Mars. The same technology could one day power devices on Earth as well. NASA covers the project in more detail in a blog post.
