In a landmark move toward expanding into the aerospace sector, LG Energy Solution has announced a strategic partnership with U.S.-based South 8 Technologies to co-develop space-rated lithium-ion batteries capable of operating at temperatures as low as –60°C.
The collaboration marks LG Energy Solution’s entry into the next-generation aerospace battery domain, aiming to develop power solutions that can withstand the harsh conditions of space exploration. The project is part of a broader initiative involving KULR Technology Group and NASA, focused on creating cold-temperature battery systems for future deep space missions.
“This collaboration leverages South 8’s liquefied gas electrolyte technology, which addresses the long-standing issue of battery performance degradation in extreme cold,” said Je Young Kim, CTO of LG Energy Solution. “We expect this innovation to unlock new possibilities in advanced aerospace applications.”
Under the agreement, LG Energy Solution will design, test, and evaluate the lithium-ion cells, while South 8 Technologies will produce enhanced battery cells using its patented LiGas® electrolyte, recognized among TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024. These will be integrated into KULR’s One Space battery platform, ensuring reliability and performance in ultra-cold environments such as lunar and Martian missions.
The collaboration builds upon LG Energy Solution’s earlier partnership with South 8 through its Startup Challenge Program (2019) and a joint development agreement signed in 2024, strengthening both companies’ vision for sustainable, high-performance energy solutions beyond Earth.
