Cerebral Energy has been awarded a $2 million Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by the Space Development Agency (SDA) to further develop its cutting-edge, solid-state graphene batteries.
Cerebral Energy, a company dedicated to developing advanced energy solutions, announced it has been awarded a significant Phase II SBIR contract by the Space Development Agency (SDA). The $2 million contract is a follow-on to a previous Phase I award and will fund the continued development and commercialization of a novel graphene-based solid-state battery originally designed and prototyped by NASA scientists. This innovative technology is set to become a critical component of the SDA's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a network of resilient, low-Earth orbit satellites designed to provide crucial military capabilities.
The batteries represent a substantial leap forward in energy technology, boasting remarkable performance metrics that address several key challenges of modern satellite power systems. With a reported lab prototype energy density of over 500 W/h Kg, Cerebral's batteries are over 3X more efficient than conventional lithium-ion batteries. This superior efficiency is vital for space applications where every gram of weight and watt of power is critical for mission longevity and payload capacity.
In addition to its high energy density, the technology offers enhanced safety and durability. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, the solid-state design eliminates the risk of fire, a major concern for both launch and on-orbit operations. The batteries also feature a lightning-fast charge rate, up to 100X faster than their lithium counterparts, which could revolutionize how satellites manage power from solar panels. This rapid charging capability allows for more efficient energy capture during brief periods of sunlight and quicker recovery from high-power demands.
A significant aspect of Cerebral Energy's technology is its innovative and sustainable supply chain. The materials for the graphene-based batteries are derived from recycled U.S. waste streams, eliminating the supply chain challenges associated with sourcing lithium.
The Phase II project will focus on examining scalable additive manufacturing techniques to transition the technology from a lab-based prototype to a large-scale production model. This effort is being conducted with additional support from AFWERX and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), highlighting a collaborative approach to innovation within the Department of Defense. AFWERX and AFRL have been instrumental in streamlining the SBIR process, helping small businesses like Cerebral Energy accelerate their technology from concept to operational readiness by reducing bureaucratic overhead and fast-tracking timelines.
