[Edaily Reporter Shin Ha-yeon ] SM Group’s manufacturing affiliate, SM BEXEL CO.,LTD.(010580), has secured manufacturing technology for high-performance lithium-ion batteries used in low-Earth orbit satellites through a joint project with Seoul National University.

SM BEXEL CO.,LTD. announced on the 14th that, through the government-funded project “Development of 2900Wh-Class Lithium-Ion Cells and Packs for Low-Earth Orbit Satellites” currently being conducted with Seoul National University, it has secured battery cell and pack manufacturing technology using materials that meet space environment testing standards.

This project is led by Seoul National University, with SM BEXEL CO.,LTD. participating as a joint research and development partner. The goal is to develop lithium-ion cells and 2,900 Wh-class battery packs suitable for low-Earth orbit satellites and to verify their safety and reliability in space environments, including vacuum, vibration, shock, temperature fluctuations, and radiation.

During the research process, SM BEXEL CO.,LTD. optimized the coating processes for cathode and anode materials, as well as cell assembly technology. The company also secured manufacturing technology capable of stably managing the alignment of the cathode, separator, and anode within the cell, as well as the quality of the electrode surfaces.

According to the company, the battery cells and packs developed to date have passed space environment testing. By improving the charge-discharge algorithm, the company increased the battery pack capacity to over 2,900 Wh; even after 2,500 charge-discharge cycles at a depth of discharge (DOD) of 30%, the pack retained more than 95% of its initial capacity.

In addition, the company has secured production technology capable of assembling approximately 200 battery cells per month. Batteries for satellites must possess the durability and long-life performance required to withstand not only the vibrations and shocks generated during launch but also the vacuum of space, sudden temperature changes, and radiation.

Based on these R&D achievements, SM BEXEL CO.,LTD. is moving forward with its entry into the commercial space market. The company plans to explore opportunities to supply lithium-ion battery packs to major domestic satellite manufacturers and expand its business in specialized batteries for aerospace applications, including low-Earth orbit satellites.

Choi Se-hwan, CEO of SM BEXEL CO.,LTD.’s Battery Business Division, stated, “Through this R&D, we have secured not only battery performance capable of withstanding extreme space environments but also cell manufacturing technology for actual production.” He added, “Building on the lithium-ion battery development and production capabilities we have accumulated over the years, we will focus our sales efforts on the market for high-reliability aerospace batteries, including those for low-Earth orbit satellites.”