LG Energy Solution has announced a strategic collaboration with South 8 Technologies to co-develop lithium-ion batteries for aerospace applications, capable of operating at extreme low temperatures down to -60°C.
The partnership marks LG Energy Solution’s entry into the space battery sector, joining forces with South 8 Technologies, KULR Technology Group, and NASA to advance cold-temperature battery solutions for deep space missions.
KULR, a specialist in aerospace and defence energy storage, recently secured $6.7 million from the Texas Space Commission to support lunar and Martian exploration efforts, in coordination with NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
South 8 Technologies will manufacture enhanced battery cells using its patented LiGas® electrolyte, which enables ultra-low temperature operation and was named one of TIME magazine’s ‘Best Inventions of 2024’. The cells will be integrated into KULR’s One Space battery architecture.
Je Young Kim, CTO of LG Energy Solution, said, “The liquefied gas electrolyte technology fundamentally addresses the long-standing issues of battery performance degradation in extreme cold environments. We anticipate that this technology will unlock unprecedented possibilities to pioneer new products and applications including space.”
The liquefied gas electrolyte also offers safety benefits, rapidly evaporating under abuse conditions to cool the cell and render it inert.
LG Energy Solution first engaged with South 8 Technologies via its Startup Challenge Programme in 2019. A joint development agreement followed in 2024, with the latest announcement further strengthening their collaboration.
