Alternative Energy Solutions Sought by NASA to Replace Batteries for Space Exploration

On Wednesday of this week, NASA issued a call for proposals which will help them find alternative energy solutions to take the place of batteries currently used in the space program.

The agency has broken the request into two specific categories – “High Specific Energy System Level Concepts,” which will focus on cell chemistry and system level battery technologies, such as packaging and cell integration; and, “Very High Specific Energy Devices,” which will focus on energy storage technologies that can go beyond the current theoretical limits of Lithium batteries while maintaining the cycle life and safety characteristics demanded of energy storage systems used in space applications.



According to the request, core technologies in proposals should aim to advance energy storage solutions for the space program and other government agencies. These agencies will include the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA-E) through ongoing collaboration with NASA and industry.

“NASA is focusing on creating new advanced technologies that could lead to entirely new approaches for the energy needs of the agency’s future Earth and space missions,” said Michael Gazarik, associate administrator for space technology at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

“Over the next 18 months, NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate will make significant new investments that address several high priority challenges for achieving safe and affordable deep-space exploration. One of these challenges, advanced energy storage, offers new technology solutions that will address exploration and science needs while adding in an important and substantive way to America’s innovation economy.”

NASA has indicated that they anticipate 4 initial awards during this initial phase of the program which could range in value up to $250,000 each.

Those interested in respond to the request for proposals should do so through the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System online at: http://go.nasa.gov/ru9LgH.

To learn more about planned investments and high priority challenges for achieving safe and affordable deep-space exploration, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/spacetech.

NASA, alternative energy, space exploration, NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate