NASA Develops Solid‑State Batteries to Power Lunar Missions

NASA’s SPEARS (Solid Power for Extreme Environment Adaptability and Resilience in Space) project has produced prototype solid‑electrolyte batteries that operate reliably from –80 °C to 100 °C and survive lunar temperature swings from 212 °F to –274 °F. Thermal‑vacuum tests at Langley Research Center confirmed no damage after exposure to these extremes, and small heaters can bring the cells back to operating temperature without continuous heating. The batteries can be tuned for energy, power or durability, making them suitable for tools, rovers, emergency packs and long‑duration scientific instruments on the Moon. SPEARS began in 2026 with agency funding and is moving toward flight hardware development at Ames Research Center, with potential commercial spin‑off for Earth‑based portable power.