NASA Researchers Develop New Solid-State Batteries to Support Artemis Campaign on the Moon's South Pole

NASA researchers are developing new batteries designed to operate in the extreme temperatures of the Moon's South Pole. The project, named SPEARS, aims to support humanity's sustained presence on the Moon during the Artemis campaign. Traditional lithium-ion batteries rely on liquid electrolytes that can freeze, overheat, or evaporate in space.

SPEARS addresses this by using solid ceramic or polymer-based materials instead of liquids. During thermal vacuum testing at NASA's Langley Research Center, small prototype cells functioned at temperatures up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit and down to minus 76 degrees Fahrenheit, with slightly reduced performance reaching minus 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Testing also showed the batteries survived exposure to lows of minus 274 degrees Fahrenheit without sustaining damage.

The technology allows batteries to work immediately once warmed up, reducing the need for heavy thermal management systems. Researchers state the chemistry can be tuned for energy, power, or durability depending on whether the application involves astronaut emergency kits, rovers, or drills. Started in 2026, the project is funded by the Advanced Research and Technology division and focuses on early technology development before potential commercial collaboration.

NASA's Ames Research Center is developing flight hardware to prepare the batteries for space environments.