Ultra High Energy Solid-State Batteries for Next Generation Space Power, Phase I

NASA has a wide variety of applications in need of advanced rechargeable battery solutions including exploration vehicles, extra-vehicular activity (EVA) equipment, landers and rovers, human habitat systems, and planetary orbiters. A common thread among the battery needs for all NASA missions is an increase in specific energy. Packing more energy into a given mass or volume can improve operational capability and flexibility, and it can also result in significant launch cost savings. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are now becoming the new industry standard for use as secondary batteries in space due to their specific energy advantages over legacy technologies. Even Li-ion, though, falls far short of the energy goals set by NASA for next-generation missions. Thus, if successful the commercial potential within NASA for the proposed solid-state battery technology is vast. Broadly speaking, the proposed safe, ultra high energy and low cost could see use in NASA missions such as scientific and exploration satellites, crewed spacecraft, human habitat systems and planetary rovers. If successful, the proposed technology would directly impact these missions by increasing operational performance (e.g., reduced system mass, increased system lifetime, reduced system cost, etc.) while also increasing mission reliability through the reduction in safety concerns associated with conventional Li-ion rechargeable batteries. Beyond the impact to NASA missions, the commercial potential for the proposed safe, low cost and ultra high energy all solid-state rechargeable batteries is vast as it could find use within virtually every sector of the $20+BN rechargeable battery markets. Potential applications include commercial and military satellites, commercial and military aviation, military power (e.g., UAVs, ground vehicles, portable power, etc.) electric vehicles, utility grid-storage and consumer electronics among others. More »