Spacesuits that are worn by NASA’s astronauts are going to be equipped with LG Chemicals’ batteries. South Korea’s lithium-ion battery technology with high efficiency and high safety will be used in fields regarding space followed by portable devices and vehicles.
LG Chemicals made an announcement on the 17th that it is selected as the lithium-ion secondary battery supplier for NASA’s spacesuits. Although NASA had been using silver-zinc batteries mostly, it recently started using lithium-ion batteries that have excellent performance and age as there are more uses of electric-motor portable devices. LG Chemicals was selected by NASA by developing and proposing small batteries that are specialized for spacesuits.
By becoming NASA’s supplier, LG Chemicals will start supplying batteries to NASA in second half of this year while NASA will be using these batteries for oxygen-supplying equipment and communication equipment to maintain lives of astronauts and radioactive measurement device.
By supplying batteries to NASA, South Korean batteries are not only recognized for its production and price in foreign countries, but they are also recognized for its high efficiency, high precision, and high safety.
These lithium-ion secondary batteries’ lifespan is 5 times longer than silver-zinc batteries that are usually used for military and space purposes and their competitive edge in price is also excellent. LG Chemicals received the highest score in ISC Device test, which measures safety performance, after defeating other domestic and foreign battery suppliers. ISC is a test device that was designed by NASA to verify safety of cell movement during thermal runaway from inner short circuit of batteries.
To implement performance of batteries according to requirements from NASA, LG Chemicals applied its own SRS technologies to secure world’s best battery performance and safety. SRS is a technology that prevents inner short circuits by increasing heat and mechanical strength by coating ceramic onto a separating membrane, which is a main material of batteries, and determines safety of lithium-ion batteries.
“LG Chemicals’ batteries had high energy density and high safety during a test and proved that they are the most suitable batteries for NASA’s spacesuits.” said a representative for NASA.
“By passing NASA’s safety test, we once again proved that we have one of world’s best technical skills.” said Department Head (President) Lee Woong-beom of LG Chemicals’ Battery Business Headquarters. “We are going to expand our business so that our batteries can be used in variety of fields regarding space.”
Through this contract, LG Chemicals entered battery markets for space as well as markets for land, sea, and air. Including Hyundai Motors and Kia Motors, LG Chemicals has GM, Ford, Chrysler, Renault, Volvo, Audi and 20 Chinese automotive manufacturers as its customers. It supplied batteries to Norway’s shipping building company called Eidesvik’s eco-friendly hybrid ship last year and recently supplied batteries to global drone manufacturer.
Staff Reporter Park, Taejun | gaius@etnews.com