NexTech lithium-sulphur batteries operating in orbit

(SpaceEnergy) NexTech Batteries has demonstrated its lithium-sulphur battery cells operating in orbit aboard NearSpace Launch’s SPEAR-1 spacecraft constellation, advancing the technology towards national-security space applications.

The company said its cylindrical lithium-sulphur cells are cycling nominally and performing as expected in low Earth orbit. SPEAR-1, a three-spacecraft in-space development and test mission built by NearSpace Launch, launched on 7 July aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-17 mission.

The programme is funded and managed by the US Department of Defense’s Operational Energy Prototyping Fund, executed by the US Naval Research Laboratory and has technical oversight from US Space Force Space Systems Command.

NexTech developed the cells under a US Space Force Small Business Innovation Research Phase I contract. It said lithium-sulphur chemistry could provide higher gravimetric energy density than lithium-ion batteries while reducing dependence on strategic minerals.

“Seeing our lithium-sulfur cells cycle successfully in low Earth orbit is a defining moment for NexTech,” chief executive Bill Burger said.

NexTech has also received a Phase II contract to advance its 18650-format cells towards higher energy density and longer cycle life for national-security space missions.