LG Energy Solution Ltd. (373220.KS) announced that it has entered a strategic development partnership with U.S.-based startup South 8 Technologies to co-develop lithium-ion batteries engineered for ultra-low temperature environments, capable of operating at -60?°C. This collaboration marks LG's entry into the aerospace battery sector, targeting next-generation space missions that demand extreme durability.
The partnership is part of a broader initiative involving KULR Technology Group and NASA, aimed at advancing cold-temperature battery solutions for deep space exploration. KULR recently secured $6.7 million in funding from the Texas Space Commission to support lunar and Martian mission technologies, in close coordination with NASA's Johnson Space Center.
LG Energy Solution noted that it will contribute to the design, testing, and evaluation of battery cells, while South 8 Technologies will manufacture enhanced cells using its proprietary liquefied gas electrolyte. These advanced cells will be integrated into KULR's One Space battery platform, ensuring reliable performance in the harsh conditions of space.
South 8 Technologies has developed the world's first liquefied gas electrolyte, branded as LiGas, which enables batteries to function at temperatures far below the limits of conventional liquid electrolytes. The innovation not only boosts performance but also significantly improves safety. In the event of physical or electrical abuse, the electrolyte rapidly evaporates, cooling the cell and neutralizing its functionality—effectively transforming it into a safe, inert "dummy cell."
The multi-party collaboration signals a major leap forward in aerospace energy storage, with LG Energy Solution positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of space-rated battery systems.
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