Valgotech Awarded SPACEWERX SBIR Phase I Contract
Fishers, Indiana – Valgotech LLC announces it has been selected by SPACEWERX for a (SBIR Phase I contract) in the amount of $179, 990 focused on Holistic Mitigation of Polysulfide Shuttling Effect for High Energy Density 18650 Li-S Batteries to address one of the most pressing energy storage challenges facing the United States Space Force. The support from the SPACEWERX will enable Valgotech to address the challenge of the polysulfide shuttling effect in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries, which results in low cycle life performance. The Li-S batteries are lighter-weight, enabling more payload capability for space missions. Lower-mass batteries may enable reduced target signature, lower launch cost, and longer LEO station-keeping.
According to Valgotech’s CEO and Founder, Dr. David Olawale, “Valgotech will employ a holistic approach in addressing the polysulfide shuttling effect in Li-S batteries. Our holistic approach will focus on mitigating polysulfide shuttling in all the key components of the Li-S cells, including the cathode, electrolyte, separator, and anode. The Phase 1 project will focus on demonstrating polysulfide shuttling mitigation with our unique cathode design and electrolyte composition that enhances anode protection from polysulfide shuttling. This will be demonstrated in Li-S coin and 18650 cells while also building electrochemical models to gain insights into the performance of the Li-S cells under different operating conditions.”
This award is a strategic step to accelerate Valgotech’s R&D efforts significantly toward the development of made-in-USA, low-cost, eco-friendly, high-energy density, and longer cycle life batteries. The partnership with SPACEWERX will support our expansion of practical Li-S battery innovation for national defense and reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign-sourced and expensive batteries and battery materials.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the United States Space Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
About Valgotech LLC
Valgotech is an energy storage company with a portfolio of proprietary technologies that enable us to develop and introduce innovative battery systems into different markets. We operate from Indiana's Valgotech Energy Research and Development (VERAD) Center.
We utilize a market-driven and systems-based approach in our product development process to expedite the delivery of advanced batteries that offer superior safety, performance, affordability, and sustainability.
About SPACEWERX
As the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, SpaceWERX inspires and empowers collaboration with innovators to accelerate capabilities and shape our future in space. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX employs 40 military, civilian and contractor personnel executing an annual $457 million budget. Additionally, SpaceWERX partners with Space Systems Command's Commercial Space Office (COMSO) as a collaborative program. Since it was aligned under AFRL in Aug. 2021, SpaceWERX has executed 1,106 contracts worth more than $897 million to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: spacewerx.us.
Company Press Contact:
Martha Olawale
Director, Communications