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LG Energy Solution Partners With South 8 to Develop Space-Rated Batteries for Ultra-Low Temperatures

The pact leverages a liquefied-gas electrolyte to keep lithium-ion cells operating in space conditions that disable conventional chemistries.

Overview

  • LG Energy Solution announced a strategic development partnership with South 8 Technologies to co-develop lithium-ion cells optimized for extreme cold in space applications.
  • The cells target reliable operation down to −60°C, addressing performance losses that typically begin near −20°C with standard electrolytes.
  • LG will lead design, testing, and evaluation, while South 8 will manufacture cells using its patented LiGas electrolyte for subsequent integration into KULR’s One Space architecture.
  • The effort is tied to a broader initiative with KULR and NASA, following KULR’s reported $6.7 million award from the Texas Space Commission in collaboration with NASA Johnson Space Center.
  • South 8’s electrolyte is claimed to boost safety by evaporating under abuse conditions to create a non-functional cell, and the program remains in development pending testing and qualification.