NASA announced the Solid Power for Extreme Environment Adaptability and Resilience in Space (SPEARS) project on October 14, 2026, to develop solid-state batteries capable of handling extreme lunar temperatures. Led by NASA’s Glenn Research Center, the initiative aims to support humanity's sustained presence on the Moon.
Solid-State Battery Technology
Traditional lithium-ion batteries rely on liquid electrolytes that can freeze, evaporate, or fail under the extreme temperature swings of the Moon's South Pole, where nighttime temperatures can reach minus 328 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 200 Celsius). To address this, NASA researchers are developing SPEARS batteries, which replace liquid electrolytes with solid ceramic- or polymer-based materials.
During thermal vacuum testing at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, small prototype battery cells operated successfully up to 176 F (80 C) and down to minus 76 F (minus 60 C), while exhibiting slightly reduced performance down to minus 112 F (minus 80 C). Testing also showed the cells could survive extreme temperature exposures ranging from 212 F (100 C) down to minus 274 F (minus 170 C) without sustaining damage.
Project Scope and Future Applications
The SPEARS project began in 2026 with funding through the Advanced Research and Technology division within the agency’s Research and Technology Mission Directorate. Donald Dornbusch serves as the principal investigator for SPEARS at NASA’s Glenn Research Center, while Yi Lin leads testing and research at NASA Langley alongside task lead Ji Su.
According to NASA, the solid-state batteries could eventually power astronaut emergency kits, rovers, tools like drills used in shadowed lunar craters, and long-duration scientific instruments. Researchers also noted that the technology could potentially be spun off into Earth-based applications for automobiles, cell phones, communication devices, and drones.
Key facts and where they come from
- The SPEARS project is developing solid-state batteries to replace liquid electrolytes for lunar operations.
The project is called Solid Power for Extreme Environment Adaptability and Resilience in Space (SPEARS)
- Prototype SPEARS battery cells operated down to minus 76 F and up to 176 F during thermal vacuum testing.
small prototype battery cells operated well up to 176 F (80 C), down to minus 76 F (minus 60 C)
- The SPEARS project started in 2026 with funding from the Advanced Research and Technology division.
The SPEARS project began in 2026 with funding through the Advanced Research and Technology division
