Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
A Martian Air Battery, Phase I
Project Introduction
This project will investigate an entirely new battery chemistry by developing A Martian Air Battery. Specifically the project will explore the concept of a Martian battery that utilizes in-situ resources to produce energy for NASA applications. Our experience producing high-energy air cathodes for our work with existing metal-air systems will be utilized during this program. Our established air cathodes will be modified, to accommodate a Martian environment, and incorporated into cells. Several different chemically composed cathodes will be investigated. The anticipated result of the phase 1 project is a new battery. Advantages of the proposed Martian battery include a light weight source for in-situ energy production. In addition the conceptual battery will be capable of atmospheric gas collection and separation.
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Anticipated Benefits
The proposed metal-air cell has a broad range of commercial applications from storing energy for satellites in space to powering robots deep beneath the ocean floor. Metal-air cells have the potential to replace other cells and batteries currently used to power electronic equipment. The strength of the system is its very high energy density and specific energy. Its lightweight nature and flexible design provide it adaptability to many commercial products such as cell phones and computers. The proposed high specific energy Martian battery has the potential to produce energy utilizing in-situ resources on Mars. The Martian battery could provide energy storage for astronaut equipment and habitats, vehicles, robots and other electronics. This technology may also be used to collect and separate atmospheric gasses.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yardney Technical Products, Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | East Greenwich, Rhode Island |
Johnson Space Center
(JSC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Houston, Texas |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Rhode Island
-
Texas
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Yardney Technical Products, Inc.
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- Arthur Dobley
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2011
End: Sep 2011
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 3 |
| Estimated End: | 3 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX07 Exploration Destination Systems
- TX07.1 In-Situ Resource Utilization
- TX07.1.3 Resource Processing for Production of Mission Consumables
Target Destination
Mars
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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.