LG Energy Solution announced on November 12, 2025, that it has entered into a strategic partnership with South 8 Technologies to develop space-rated lithium-ion batteries capable of operating at extremely low temperatures. The collaboration is designed to address the performance challenges that batteries face in harsh environments, particularly those encountered during deep space missions.
Under the agreement, LG Energy Solution will contribute its expertise in cell design, testing and evaluation, while South 8 Technologies will leverage its proprietary LiGas® liquefied gas electrolyte and advanced electrolyte filling process. These innovations enable battery cells to function at temperatures as low as –60 °C, significantly improving performance compared with conventional liquid electrolytes, which typically degrade below –20 °C.
“The liquefied gas electrolyte technology fundamentally addresses the long-standing issues of battery performance degradation in extreme cold environments,” said Je Young Kim, CTO of LG Energy Solution. “We anticipate that this technology will unlock unprecedented possibilities to pioneer new products and applications including the space.”
The initiative is part of a broader aerospace program involving KULR Technology Group and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. KULR, which recently received $6.7 million in funding from the Texas Space Commission, is further developing cold-temperature lithium-ion battery solutions for lunar and Martian exploration. LG Energy Solution’s contributions will support integration of the enhanced cells into KULR’s One Space battery architecture, ensuring reliable power delivery in extreme conditions.
Beyond performance gains, South 8’s liquefied gas electrolyte offers enhanced safety benefits. If a cell experiences physical or electrical abuse, the liquid solvent rapidly evaporates, cooling the cell and expelling the electrolyte. This process effectively renders the cell inert, reducing the risk of thermal runaway or fire.
LG Energy Solution first connected with South 8 Technologies through its Startup Challenge Program in 2019 and formalized a joint development agreement in 2024 focused on LiGas-based batteries. This latest partnership reinforces their collaborative relationship and marks LG Energy Solution’s first major foray into the aerospace battery sector. The companies aim to pioneer next-generation energy storage systems that can withstand the most demanding space environments.
Source: LG Energy Solution Press Release
