LG Energy Solution is embarking on the development of next-generation battery cells that demonstrate excellent performance and ensure safety in extreme environments such as space. This initiative is linked to a project led by NASA, which is expected to strengthen its foray into the aerospace battery market.

LG Energy Solution announced on the 12th that it has entered into a 'strategic partnership for the research and development of aerospace battery cells' with South8 Technologies (South8) in the United States.

South8 is a U.S. startup that has developed the world's first 'liquefied gas electrolyte' for lithium-ion batteries. The electrolyte developed by South8 was selected as one of the '2024 Top 200 Inventions' by TIME magazine last year. Compared to conventional liquid electrolytes that struggle to operate normally at minus 20 degrees Celsius, this electrolyte has a significantly lower freezing point, allowing it to perform normally even in the extreme cold of minus 60 degrees Celsius in space. It is also known to ensure both stability and safety in situations of physical shock or rapid temperature changes.

In emergencies, the liquid solvent inside the battery rapidly vaporizes, lowering the cell temperature, and the vaporized electrolyte is quickly expelled, converting the battery into a 'dummy cell,' thereby reducing the risk of fire. It is characterized by superior usability and safety in extreme environments compared to existing batteries. It is expected that battery products can be launched for various extreme environments, including aerospace, mobility in cold regions, robotics, and military operations.

This collaboration is particularly part of an aerospace project promoted by KULR Technology Group, a leading company in advanced energy storage solutions for U.S. aerospace and defense, and NASA. KULR is developing a low-temperature lithium-ion battery solution for next-generation space exploration with research funding from the Texas Space Commission. South8 is jointly participating in this project.

Under the partnership, LG Energy Solution, along with South8, plans to produce final battery cells using liquefied gas electrolytes, specialized injection technology, and special exterior materials. Specifically, LG Energy Solution will be responsible for designing next-generation battery cells specialized for extreme cold, as well as evaluating and analyzing the performance of the final battery cells.

The relationship between LG Energy Solution and South8 began in 2019. They first connected through a startup challenge program and have maintained consistent exchanges. Last year, they signed a joint development agreement to officially commence the development of liquefied gas electrolyte-based batteries, and this strategic partnership has further solidified their cooperative relationship.

LG Energy Solution expects this agreement to lay the groundwork for expanding into the aerospace battery market. Kim Jae-young, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of LG Energy Solution, stated, "We expect that liquefied gas electrolyte technology can fundamentally solve the problem of battery performance degradation in extremely cold environments," and added, "We will strive to create new customer value in various fields, including aerospace exploration in extreme cold environments."

Meanwhile, LG Energy Solution is reportedly supplying cylindrical battery products for spacecraft power to Elon Musk's U.S. space company, SpaceX.

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