NexTech lithium-sulfur batteries are operating in orbit on SPEAR-1

NexTech Batteries and NearSpace Launch said Sept. 17 that NexTech’s lithium-sulfur cylindrical cells are cycling nominally aboard the SPEAR-1 mission in low Earth orbit. The flight marks the first on-orbit demonstration of NexTech’s Li-S cells and a key step toward U.S.-made battery technology for national security space systems.

Why it matters: - The on-orbit demonstration gives NexTech a real-world test of lithium-sulfur batteries in space, where performance data can determine whether the chemistry is ready for mission use. - Lithium-sulfur cells can offer higher energy density than standard lithium-ion batteries, which could cut weight for space, defense and other power systems. - The program also supports a U.S.-based supply chain built on non-strategic materials, a point that matters for national security and reduced dependence on foreign critical minerals.

What happened: - NexTech Batteries and NearSpace Launch announced that NexTech’s Li-S cylindrical cells are operating on the SPEAR-1 mission and are cycling nominally in low Earth orbit. - SPEAR-1 launched July 7, 2026 on SpaceX’s Transporter-17 rideshare mission. - The mission is a three-spacecraft constellation built on NearSpace Launch’s ThinSat platform. - SPEAR-1 is designed as an in-space development and test program to move promising space technologies toward operational readiness. - The Operational Energy Prototyping Fund under the U.S. Department of Defense funds and manages the program. - The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory executes the program. - The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command provides technical oversight.

The details: - NexTech developed the cylindrical Li-S cells under a Small Business Innovation Research Phase I contract with the U.S. Space Force. - The contract focused on improving lithium-sulfur cell performance for space and defense applications. - NexTech said the on-orbit operation validates cell performance in the space environment and marks a milestone in maturing Li-S technology for mission use. - The successful flight follows completion of NexTech’s SBIR Phase I effort. - NexTech also received a follow-on SBIR Phase II contract from the U.S. Space Force. - Under that Phase II award, NexTech is advancing 18650-format Li-S cells toward higher energy density and longer cycle life for national security space missions. - NexTech says its technology is engineered to achieve 400 Wh/kg or greater energy density, depending on application design requirements. - The company says its batteries can reduce weight by up to 50%, depending on cell formulation and application requirements. - NexTech says the technology offers superior safety characteristics, lower cost, ease of recyclability and a U.S. supply chain. - NexTech holds multiple patents and has achieved UN 38.3 safety certification. - NexTech is headquartered in Carson City, Nevada. - NearSpace Launch is based in Upland, Indiana. - NearSpace Launch says it has more than 1,000 systems and subsystems operating on orbit. - NearSpace Launch’s ThinSat platform and Black Box and EyeStar product lines provide flight-proven satellite architectures, communications and telemetry for commercial and government customers.

Between the lines: - The flight moves NexTech from lab and contract milestones to an environment that can expose how lithium-sulfur chemistry performs under orbital conditions. - If the cells continue operating as expected, the demonstration could strengthen the case for Li-S batteries in future space and defense procurement. - The mission also reflects a faster-test model for space hardware, with NearSpace Launch using small satellites to shorten the path from concept to operational readiness.

What's next: - NexTech will continue advancing its 18650-format cells under the Phase II contract. - SPEAR-1 will keep serving as an in-space testbed as the mission progresses. - NearSpace Launch said it plans to continue working with NexTech and government partners. - NexTech said the flight opens a credible path for U.S.-manufactured Li-S batteries in space, defense and commercial power systems.

The bottom line: - NexTech’s first orbital test is a technical validation point for lithium-sulfur batteries and a step toward broader adoption in national security space applications.