The small footprint of a new solid-state battery prototype could benefit NASA’s operation of microsatellites such as CubeSats. Instead of placing a battery in the experiment and occupying 20- 35% of the available volume, the 2-3 mm-thick battery can reside in the payload structure and free up space for the compact science payload.

A University of Miami researcher displays a piece of the prototype structure for a new solid-state battery. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri GerondidakisWorking at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, University of Miami researchers layered small carbon fiber squares on top of each other in a vacuum bag. The material was then debulked, using a vacuum hose to remove air from, and compress, the carbon fibers. After an hour, the squares were placed in a 250 degree oven to allow the resin epoxy in the carbon fiber to cure.

These layers will provide the structure for the battery. A prototype of the solid-state structural battery layers will be placed between the layers of compressed carbon fiber squares.

This technology could be used on satellite structural trusses, the International Space Station, or to power habitat structures established on another planet. Added to current homes or buildings, or included in the walls during construction, the batteries would be an added or alternate source of power.