Chemitox Selected for Space Strategy Fund 'SX-ARK' to Develop Flexible All-Solid-State Battery-Based Conformable Space Power Systems

Chemitox Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ota-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Koichi Nakayama) has been selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for its Space Strategy Fund program 'SX-Core Domain Development Research (SX-ARK)' in the 'Thermal and Devices' domain. The company's technical development project titled 'Development of a Conformable Space Power System Using Flexible All-Solid-State Batteries' has been adopted.

This technical development project aims to realize a new power system configuration that maximizes onboard functionality under strict volume and mass constraints in advanced space systems such as small artificial satellites and future spacesuits. By utilizing flexible all-solid-state batteries, the project will enable battery placement in previously underutilized areas such as curved surfaces and gaps within spacecraft housings, aiming to increase payload capacity and expand design flexibility.

【Project Overview】

Program Name: Space Strategy Fund Technical Development Theme: SX-Core Domain Development Research 'SX-ARK' (Thermal and Devices) Technical Development Topic: Development of a Conformable Space Power System Using Flexible All-Solid-State Batteries Implementing Organization (Lead): Chemitox Co., Ltd. Principal Investigator: Taiki Tachibana

【Background of Research and Development】

Advanced space systems such as small satellites and spacesuits require designs that maximize onboard functionality within limited volume and mass. However, conventional battery systems are constrained in placement flexibility due to cell shape and fixed structures, leaving unused space within spacecraft housings as a persistent challenge. In response, Chemitox will leverage the advantages of all-solid-state batteries—such as high safety and wide operating temperature range—to expand spacecraft design freedom and pioneer a new design philosophy that integrates power sources with structural and equipment layouts.

【Research and Development Overview】

This research aims to develop flexible all-solid-state batteries and realize a new space power system that utilizes spacecraft structures and previously unused spaces. By enabling batteries to be placed along curved surfaces and narrow spaces while maintaining high safety for space environments, the project will enable power system designs free from traditional spatial constraints.

Image: Lamination of Flexible Solid Electrolyte Sheets

【Future Outlook】

The project aims to contribute to increased design flexibility in spacecraft systems and the creation of new space power technologies, with applications envisioned for small satellites and space probes.

As a future vision, the company aims to apply innovative energy devices that integrate flexible all-solid-state batteries (F-ASSB) with perovskite solar cells—leveraging their flexibility—to spacesuits, advancing R&D toward this goal.

SX-ARK Selection Commemoration Event

This project is being conducted with support from the Space Strategy Fund.

For JAXA's official documentation on this selection, please refer to the link below:

https://fund.jaxa.jp/content/uploads/kekka2_18.pdf

【About Chemitox Co., Ltd.】

Chemitox Co., Ltd. has over 50 years of history as an independent testing and evaluation organization. The company has long engaged in testing and evaluation of 'power generation' via solar cells and 'energy storage' via lithium-ion batteries. Building on expertise derived from these evaluation technologies, Chemitox has recently advanced R&D into cutting-edge devices such as all-solid-state batteries and perovskite solar cells, aiming to create new energy device technologies, including the integration of both.

【Inquiries】

Kaito Koma Advanced Research Laboratory, Chemitox Co., Ltd. Director: Taiki Tachibana MAIL: ta-kitta@chemitox.co.jp

【Company Information】

Company Name: Chemitox Co., Ltd.

Representative: CEO Koichi Nakayama

Headquarters: 1-14-18 Kamishirodai, Ota-ku, Tokyo

Founded: September 3, 1975

Capital: 98 million yen

Main Businesses:

Safety and reliability evaluation of solar cells

Safety and reliability evaluation of lithium-ion batteries R&D of all-solid-state batteries

R&D of perovskite solar cells

Biodegradability testing and support for biodegradability certification

Overseas standards testing and compliance consulting for railway vehicles, aircraft, building materials, water-related products, food contact materials, etc.

Support for recycling material certification

Various property evaluations of polymers and other materials, including flammability, heat resistance, and mechanical properties

Testing and evaluation of power devices

Environmental analysis of hazardous chemicals, failure analysis of printed circuit boards, and reliability testing

Consulting services for obtaining overseas certifications such as UL

Interpretation and translation services