South Korea’s LG Energy Solution has signed a strategic agreement with U.S.-based South 8 Technologies, a startup specialised in liquefied gas electrolytes, to co-develop lithium-ion batteries tailored for the extreme conditions of space missions. The partnership aims to create cells capable of functioning at temperatures as low as -60 °C, well below the limits of conventional electrolytes.
A breakthrough in space battery technology
South 8 Technologies’ patented LiGas® electrolyte enables batteries to perform in ultra-low temperature environments. These cells will be integrated into the One Space battery architecture developed by KULR Technology Group, a U.S. energy storage specialist serving the aerospace and defence industries.
KULR Technology Group secured $6.7mn in funding from the Texas Space Commission for this project, in collaboration with NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC). The initiative supports future lunar and Martian exploration missions with reliable energy systems designed to withstand extreme climates.
Multi-level industrial cooperation
Under this collaboration, LG Energy Solution will contribute to the design, testing and evaluation of the lithium-ion cells. South 8 Technologies will manufacture the enhanced cells using its proprietary liquefied gas electrolyte technology, while KULR will handle system-level integration. The entire process is geared towards ensuring battery performance and safety for long-duration missions in harsh environments.
LiGas® electrolyte was recognised by TIME magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2024. The system reduces thermal risks in the event of physical or electrical shocks by rapidly evaporating the liquid solvent, effectively deactivating the cell and turning it into an inert “dummy cell”. This intrinsic safety feature is considered a key asset for sensitive applications.
Strengthened long-term relationship
LG Energy Solution and South 8 Technologies first connected in 2019 through the Startup Challenge Program. In 2024, both companies signed an initial joint development agreement to begin work on liquefied gas electrolyte-based batteries. The latest agreement formalises and deepens their collaboration.
This move reinforces LG Energy Solution’s strategy to diversify its technological portfolio by investing in high-value sectors such as aerospace. The integration of this technology could also open new opportunities in other industries that require high-performance energy systems under extreme conditions.
