November 21, 2024

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An image of SpaceX’s Starship merging is caught by the Mechazilla launch tower during the flight 5 mission on Oct. 13, in Texas. (SpaceX)

LG Energy Solution has reportedly forged a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to supply its cylindrical batteries, further strengthening its partnership with Tesla and advancing its footprint in the global aerospace sector.

According to industry sources on Monday, the Korean battery maker began developing cylindrical lithium-ion batteries for the power supply and auxiliary power units for SpaceX’s next-generation “Starship” launch vehicle. These batteries are expected to be installed in the upgraded version of the world’s first reusable rocket as soon as next year.

This marks SpaceX’s first long-term supply arrangement with a battery manufacturer. LG previously made several one-off supplies to the aerospace company.

LG Energy Solution declined to comment on the matter citing confidentiality.

Sources say LG’s business ties with SpaceX’s parent company, Tesla, have played a crucial role in renewing the partnership. Last month, the battery maker reportedly supplied its new 46 series cylindrical battery cells -- 46-millimeter diameter and 80-millimeter height – which will start mass production this year.

This is not LG Energy Solution’s first foray into space technology. In 2016, even before the spinoff from its parent company, LG Chem, the Korean battery maker was also selected as a battery supplier for NASA’s spacesuit. The company has since expanded its battery application portfolio. It continues to explore advanced form factors like the 46 series, while also innovating in next-generation battery chemistry for electric vehicles and other applications.

“The company will develop lithium-sulfur batteries for stratospheric unmanned aerial vehicles and urban air mobility by 2027, as part of the next generation battery lineups,” said Kim Je-young, chief technology officer at LG Energy Solution, during a session at the World New Energy Vehicle Congress in Hainan Province, China on Dec. 7, 2023.

Industry insiders say LG Energy Solution’s business agreement with SpaceX proves that its batteries have met particularly strict qualifications equipped for space exploration.

“Compared to electric cars, spacecraft battery cells require more stringent conditions,” said Bae Jae-sung, an aerospace engineering professor at the Korea Aerospace University. “They must be properly sealed to operate in a vacuum state, withstand the acceleration and vibration during the launching process and scorching temperatures of at least 300 degrees Celsius. The cells should be lightweight and have high energy density, featuring maximum efficiency.”

LG Energy Solution’s batteries are expected to propel Musk’s vision to open a new space era of carrying humans to the moon, Mars and beyond. Starship, the world’s most powerful launch vehicle, is capable of carrying up to 100 people, with larger cargo space compared to SpaceX’s existing rocket, Falcon 9.

On Oct. 13 this year, SpaceX successfully carried out the latest test launch of Starship in Texas, US. With a sixth test flight scheduled on Nov. 18, the leading aerospace company ultimately plans to land NASA astronauts on the lunar surface as early as 2026 as part of the US government’s Artemis III mission, the first crewed lunar landing since the Apollo program.

SpaceX also stands to benefit considerably from Musk’s close ties with the re-elected US President Donald Trump, who has expressed support for the company’s mission to explore Mars.

In addition, sources predict that LG Energy Solution could seek other business opportunities with the billionaire’s future ventures including humanoids.

Following the news on the supply agreement with SpaceX, LG Energy Solution’s stock price soared 4.4 percent to 416,000 won ($298.5) at the closing bell compared to the previous trading day. Earlier in the day, the price surged 9.3 percent, tapping 435,500 won.

By Byun Hye-jin  (hyejin2@heraldcorp.com)