Why NASA develops extreme-cold batteries to power future missions?:Technology could power NASA’s Artemis missions to return humans to the Moon

The Moon’s South Pole experiences extremely cold temperatures, making it difficult for batteries to work reliably. To address this challenge, NASA is developing a new type of battery that could help astronauts and robotic vehicles operate in the Moon’s harsh environment. The project, called Solid Power for Extreme Environment Adaptability and Resilience in Space (SPEARS), aims to develop batteries that can withstand extreme temperatures, remain safe, and provide reliable power for future lunar missions. The technology could support NASA’s Artemis campaign, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustained presence there. How does NASA’s new battery work?
Conventional lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in smartphones and laptops, contain liquid electrolytes. These liquids can freeze in extreme cold, affecting battery performance and potentially damaging the cells. High temperatures can also create problems. NASA’s SPEARS project aims to overcome these limitations by replacing liquid electrolytes with solid materials made from ceramics or polymers. These solid electrolytes do not freeze like liquids, helping the batteries withstand extreme temperature changes. During thermal vacuum tests at NASA’s Langley Research Center, prototype battery cells operated at temperatures as high as 80 degrees Celsius and as low as minus 60 degrees Celsius. They also showed reduced performance at minus 80 degrees Celsius. The batteries were further exposed to temperatures ranging from 100 degrees Celsius to minus 170 degrees Celsius without sustaining damage. However, the batteries cannot operate immediately at the coldest temperatures. Small heaters would be used to warm them to their operating range when needed. How could these batteries help astronauts on the Moon? Reliable batteries will be essential for future lunar missions, particularly in areas near the Moon’s South Pole that receive little or no sunlight. NASA’s solid-state batteries could power a range of equipment, including: Because the batteries would not need to be kept warm continuously, they could also reduce the need for heavy heating and temperature-control systems. This could help make spacecraft and lunar equipment lighter and more efficient. Could the technology be used on Earth?
Although SPEARS is being developed for space exploration, the technology could also have applications on Earth. Solid-state batteries may eventually be useful in electric vehicles, smartphones, drones, and other portable electronic devices. The project began in 2026 and is currently focused on developing and testing the technology. NASA’s Ames Research Center is also working on hardware and electronics to help prepare the batteries for future spaceflight testing. If development progresses successfully, SPEARS could become an important part of the technology needed to support longer and more sustainable human missions to the Moon.