WASHINGTON, October 25, 2026: NASA has developed an experimental solid-state battery capable of withstanding extremely low temperatures, a breakthrough that could support future missions to the Moon and potentially improve battery technology used in electric vehicles on Earth.
The new battery technology is being developed to address one of the major challenges facing lunar exploration: providing reliable power to equipment operating in the Moon’s harsh and freezing environment.
According to a report by Interesting Engineering, the battery could eventually power lunar rovers, scientific instruments and emergency equipment used by astronauts during NASA’s Artemis programme.
The technology remains at the laboratory-testing stage, however, and has not yet been tested in space.
Battery survives temperatures as low as minus 170°C
During thermal vacuum testing conducted under NASA’s SPaRKS project, the experimental solid-state battery successfully withstood temperatures as low as minus 170 degrees Celsius without sustaining damage.
The tests also demonstrated that the battery could continue operating at temperatures as low as minus 80 degrees Celsius, although its performance declined under those conditions.
Researchers observed comparatively better performance across a temperature range of minus 60 to positive 80 degrees Celsius.
These findings suggest that the technology could offer greater resilience than batteries that struggle to function in extremely cold environments.
Surviving exceptionally low temperatures is particularly important for lunar missions, where equipment may be exposed to severe temperature fluctuations and prolonged periods without sunlight.
Potential benefits for electric vehicles
Beyond space exploration, the technology could have applications in the automotive industry, particularly in the development of safer and more efficient batteries for electric vehicles.
Cold weather can affect battery performance, making temperature tolerance an important consideration for manufacturers seeking to improve reliability and energy efficiency.
Researchers believe further development of solid-state battery technology could help address some of these challenges.
However, the experimental batteries are currently small laboratory prototypes, and additional research will be required before they can be integrated into vehicles or space equipment.
The technology must undergo further evaluation to establish its long-term durability, energy-storage performance and suitability for practical applications.
If successfully developed for commercial and operational use, the battery could contribute to future lunar exploration while supporting advances in electric transportation and other energy-storage systems.