Overview
- Prototype SPEARS cells survived exposure to about minus 274°F (minus 170°C) in thermal‑vacuum testing, showing no physical damage to the batteries.
- The cells operated well across a wide range and delivered best performance between 176°F (80°C) and minus 76°F (minus 60°C), with proof of operation down to minus 112°F (minus 80°C).
- The team reported on Wednesday that the cells cannot generate power at the coldest tested temperature and must be warmed, for example with small heaters, before they will produce usable power.
- SPEARS remains at a lab‑prototype stage with Glenn Research Center leading the effort, Langley doing materials and thermal‑vacuum tests, and Ames developing flight electronics for future demonstrations.
- NASA plans to tune electrode chemistries to trade energy, power, and durability, pursue flight demonstrations, and explore uses for lunar rovers, drills, emergency packs, and potential Earthside spin‑offs.