KULR Technology Group, Inc., a leader in advanced energy management platforms, has officially announced its plan to launch the KULR ONE Space (K1S) battery via launch integrator Exolaunch on a SpaceX rideshare mission scheduled for 2026.
According to certain reports, the stated mission marks a pivotal milestone in KULR’s ongoing commitment to develop safer and higher-performing battery systems tailored for space applications, thus feeding into a space battery market which is expected to grow from $3.9B to $6.35B by 2030 per Virtue Market Research.
More on the same would reveal how the pathfinder in question is specifically designed to integrate multiple configurations of the KULR ONE Space (K1S) battery into a 6U SmallSat. This SmallSat happens to a lightweight satellite with one standardized structure that measures approximately 10 cm x 20 cm x 30 cm. The stated satellite is also built using durable materials like aluminum or carbon-fiber composites to endure the extreme conditions of space.
As for the battery configurations, they have been meticulously selected to demonstrate cell and pack performance, as well as electronic functionality in orbital environments.
All in all, such a mission can be expected validate the flight capabilities of K1S, the first commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) lithium-ion battery series engineered to fully comply with NASA’s JSC 20793 battery safety standard.
“We are excited to bring our KULR ONE Space batteries to orbit on this rideshare mission,” said Michael Mo, CEO of KULR Technology Group. “This mission underscores our commitment to providing safer, more efficient, and cost-effective battery solutions for the most demanding environments. With the integration of next-generation cells and our advanced BMS architecture, we are setting a new standard for COTS battery technology in space.”
Talk about the K1S rideshare mission on a slightly deeper level, it will include the integration of top cells from leading cell manufactures. Here, the K1S variations will feature state-of-the-art 18650 cells delivered by top-tier original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including LG, Samsung, Amprius, and MOLICEL.
Next up, it will facilitate utilization of cells strategically selected by NASA. You see, one of the K1S systems incorporated into the mission will be constructed using MOLICEL 18650-M35A cells with associated NASA Initial Lot Assessment (ILA), Lot Acceptance Testing (LAT), and WI-37A Cell Screening, previously referred to by KULR as the “Golden Lot”.
Then, there is the incorporation of next generation low-temperature cell technology. To expand that, if found feasible, a version of the K1S architecture will include ultra-low-temperature performing cells that, on their part, are well-equipped to operate at -60°C without integrated heaters, further demonstrating KULR’s innovative advancements.
Moving on, KULR’s mission will also feature an advanced battery management system. This translates to the company’s newly developed battery management system (BMS) architecture, which provides a COTS solution designed to meet stringent safety requirements of the 20793 standards.
Another detail worth a mention is rooted in the prospect of availing flight heritage for commercialized variations in regards to safe battery architectures. Basically, the K1S batteries are engineered with passive propagation resistance and flame-arresting technology to deliver safer and higher-performing systems at a fraction of the cost, as compared to traditional 20793-compliant batteries.
“The upcoming mission will serve as a platform to showcase the exceptional capabilities of KULR’s cutting-edge battery solutions, reinforcing the Company’s position as a leader in advanced energy technologies for space and aerospace applications. The mission aligns with KULR’s ongoing efforts to revolutionize the space industry by offering reliable and high-performance energy solutions that meet the most stringent safety standards, all while reducing costs for customers,” stated jointly by Dr. William Walker, KULR Chief Technology Officer, and Peter Hughes, KULR Vice President of Engineering.
