In a groundbreaking partnership, SpaceX has tapped South Korea’s LG Energy Solution to supply high-performance batteries for its Starship rocket, a vehicle designed to reach Mars.
Reports from Korean media indicate that LG Energy Solution, a leading player in the global battery industry, will create customized cylindrical lithium-ion batteries tailored to meet the specific requirements of SpaceX’s Starship rocket. The partnership marks a shift for SpaceX, which has historically relied on its in-house battery systems for space applications. However, the agreement’s precise scope and financial aspects remain undisclosed as both companies have refrained from sharing further specifics.
The move signals SpaceX’s intention to expand its launch capabilities, as Starship’s design requires robust, long-lasting battery solutions capable of supporting both primary and backup power. Given SpaceX’s increased launch cadence, LG’s advanced batteries are anticipated to play a critical role in powering Starship through its mission to Mars and beyond.
As reported by KED Global, the collaboration could lead to further integration of LG’s battery technology across Elon Musk’s ventures. Specifically, it was noted that “the deal opens the door for LG’s batteries to be chosen to power humanoid robots being developed by Musk’s other venture, Tesla,” though the specifics of this potential expansion remain speculative at this stage.
This partnership with SpaceX marks another high-profile deal for LG Energy Solution within a short timeframe. The company recently secured a five-year agreement with electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian to supply its next-generation 4695 cylindrical batteries, which are distinguished by their increased energy density, safety, and space efficiency. These advanced cells will power Rivian’s upcoming R2 SUV, with each cell boasting six times the storage capacity of current 2170 models.
The SpaceX-LG partnership follows a recent technological triumph for SpaceX, which used massive “chopsticks” to capture the descending first stage of Starship—a key step towards achieving fully reusable rockets.