Berlin consortium develops next-generation lithium-sulfur battery module for satellites
theion, Space Structures GmbH and TU Berlin aim to develop an innovative battery module for the billion-dollar satellite market
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As the global satellite industry enters a phase of rapid expansion, demand for lightweight, high-performance energy storage systems is rising sharply.The satellites market was valued at USD 15.68 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 46.79 billion by 2031 — a CAGR of nearly 17%. The small satellite segment alone is expected to grow from USD 6.05 billion in 2024 to USD 20.58 billion by 2032. Reliable, lightweight and high-energy onboard power storage is one of the key enabling technologies for this expansion. The German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), through its project management agency DLR, is now co-funding the "Spacebox" project, which started on June 1, 2026, has a duration of 30 months, and is funded with €2.6 million, to address precisely this challenge. Bringing together three Berlin-based partners: battery innovator theion, TU Berlin, and Space Structures GmbH.
The project's innovation lies in the combination of three complementary strengths. theion contributes its crystalline lithium-sulfur technology, which is designed for significantly higher gravimetric energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries and is being developed specifically for aerospace applications. According to the company, the technology targets up to three times higher energy density, avoids nickel and cobalt. Instead, it relies on sulfur, a widely available raw material, making it an attractive option for satellite operators seeking higher performance without additional mass.
“Europe’s space industry needs technologies that simultaneously improve performance andreduce weight. Lithium-sulfur batteries have the potential to play an important role in this transition. Through the “Spacebox” project, we are bringing together complementary expertise from battery technology, satellite engineering and lightweight design to create a highly integrated energy storage solution for future space missions”, Dr. Ulrich Ehmes, CEO of theion
TU Berlin contributes its experience in satellite development and advanced on-board electronics. This is evidenced by projects such as the InnoCube mission, in which miniaturized communication devices and the integration of energy storage into the support structure of spacecraft was successfully demonstrated in orbit. In "Spacebox," this expertise is applied to the development and integration of the battery management system (BMS) — ensuring the lithium-sulfur cells operate safely and reliably under the demanding conditions of space.
Space Structures GmbH adds its established expertise in lightweight structural and thermal design for space applications. The Berlin-based company develops and manufactures high-performance primary structures for satellite platforms, payloads and rideshare launch, consistently minimizing mass while meeting the stringent mechanical and thermal requirements of space missions.
As the global satellite industry enters a phase of rapid expansion, demand for lightweight, high-performance energy storage systems is rising sharply.
With "Spacebox," the three partners are creating a fully integrated approach to satellite battery modules: high-performance lithium-sulfur cells, intelligent battery management and structural lightweight design are conceived as one system from the outset. For satellites, where every gram directly impacts mission capability and launch cost, this combination opens new possibilities for more efficient and higher-performance space systems and reinforces Germany’s role in advanced satellite power technologies
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Topic World Battery Technology
The topic world Battery Technology combines relevant knowledge in a unique way. Here you will find everything about suppliers and their products, webinars, white papers, catalogs and brochures.