SpaceX has selected South Korea’s LG Energy Solution to supply batteries for its Starship spacecraft, marking the first time Elon Musk’s space venture will source power cells from an external provider.
The agreement represents a strategic pivot for SpaceX, which previously relied on internally developed batteries for its spacecraft. LG Energy Solution will provide cylindrical lithium-ion batteries designed to withstand extreme temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees Celsius during spacecraft operations.
The deal builds on LG Energy’s aerospace credentials, following its 2016 contract to supply batteries for NASA spacesuits. The company completed additional safety evaluations for NASA’s crewed missions last year.
The contract value wasn’t disclosed, but industry experts say winning the SpaceX deal could boost LG Energy’s position in the specialized aerospace battery market. The South Korean manufacturer already supplies batteries to major electric vehicle makers.
For SpaceX, the move to external battery procurement comes as the company ramps up its Starship launch frequency. The spacecraft, central to Musk’s Mars colonization ambitions, requires power systems capable of functioning in extreme space conditions where conventional materials like steel would melt.
