NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley is developing test boards and electronics for the agency’s SPEARS solid-state battery project, NASA reported October 14.

The work is intended to prepare experimental batteries for spaceflight and testing in space environments. Glenn Research Center in Ohio leads the project, while Langley in Virginia has performed thermal-vacuum tests of small cells.

NASA’s reported results distinguish operation from survival: prototypes could operate at very low temperatures, but after more severe cold they would need to be warmed before supplying power.

Ames’ role concerns supporting hardware and preparation, not a new California manufacturing plant or a commercial battery launch. Flight readiness and any eventual mission use remain future milestones.