SpaceX has partnered with South Korea’s LG Energy Solution to supply cylindrical lithium-ion batteries for its Starship program. This collaboration marks the first long-term contract between SpaceX and a third-party battery supplier for Starship, as the aerospace company ramps up its launch frequency and requirements for reliable, high-performance energy solutions.
Until recently, SpaceX has relied primarily on self-produced batteries for its spacecraft. However, as the demand for consistent and advanced power systems has grown, the need for specialized external suppliers became evident. According to industry insiders that spoke with the Korea Economic Daily (KED), LG Energy Solution will provide batteries for both primary and backup power in the Starship rocket.
One of the central challenges for LG Energy Solution will be ensuring that its batteries can handle the extreme temperatures and pressure fluctuations encountered during launch and space operations. Temperatures in Starship’s engines can reach up to 3,000 degrees Celsius, requiring batteries that can withstand intense heat without losing performance.
The partnership between LG Energy and SpaceX is mutually beneficial, expanding LG Energy Solution’s portfolio beyond its substantial presence in electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Already a key supplier to Tesla and NASA, LG Energy Solution has recently identified the space sector as a vital new growth area, already supplying battery solutions for NASA’s spacesuits. The company is also set to deliver batteries for NASA’s lunar electric rover in 2025.
Starship is designed to be reusable, much like an airplane is today. During its initial flight in 2023, it was the heaviest and most powerful vehicle ever launched, capable of carrying 100 passengers or 100 tons of cargo to destinations as far as Mars. With reusability as a core goal, SpaceX aims for Starship to make frequent flights to destinations in space, beginning with its involvement in NASA’s Artemis 3 moon mission scheduled for 2025.
The company is planning its next Starship launch for as soon as November 18, 2024.
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