Launch and Reentry Energy Survivability (LARES) Battery Solution for DAF Rocket Cargo Vanguard Program

Problem StatementThe Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) emphasize the strategic necessity of advanced power and energy storage to sustain operational superiority in great power competition. However, the Rocket Cargo program currently lacks a modular, impact-resistant Lithium-ion (Li-ion) energy storage solution that meets the following critical requirements:Survivability under extreme launch and reentry conditions—High-G loads, intense vibration, and mechanical shock.Thermal and fire mitigation—Minimizing the risk of thermal runaway under extreme operational conditions.Modular, adaptable power configurations—Common pack designs that accommodate standardized cell formats with scalable voltages.Low detectability—Reduced thermal and electromagnetic signatures to prevent adversary tracking and targeting.High energy density with longevity—Delivering up to 300 Wh/kg with extended cycle and calendar life for space-based logistics and terrestrial applications.Current battery technologies fail to meet these demands, forcing operational compromises in power availability, payload weight, and mission safety.Proposed SolutionThe Launch And Reentry Energy Survivability (LARES) battery is a first-of-its-kind energy storage solution designed to withstand the extreme mechanical and thermal environments of rocket-based logistics while delivering high-density, survivable power for Air Force and Space Force missions.Safire Technology Group will adapt its SAFIRE (Safe Impact Resistant Electrolyte) shear thickening technology for the LARES system, delivering:Thermal Runaway Resistance – A self-stabilizing electrolyte that prevents battery fires even under extreme impact conditions.High-G and Vibration Survivability – A battery architecture engineered to function under extreme acceleration and deceleration from launch and reentry.Ruggedized, Modular Power – Scalable pack designs tailored for Rocket Cargo, SpinLaunch, LongShot, and other rapid insertion platforms.Expeditionary Energy Resilience – On-demand, transportable power solutions capable of surviving harsh environmental conditions in austere operational theaters.Safire Group has already completed a Phase I-equivalent internal R&D effort, demonstrating SAFIRE technology in battery cells through cycling, rate, and impact testing. Peer-reviewed publications validate the technology’s effectiveness.Under this D2P2 SBIR, Safire Group will:Develop and optimize a USSF-specific SAFIRE-based battery system for integration with Rocket Cargo applications.Deliver a LARES battery prototype within 24 months for rigorous end-user testing and operational assessment.Demonstrate survivability in high-G environments through advanced modeling, simulation, and physical testing.By integrating SAFIRE technology into the LARES system, the USSF and DAF will gain a mission-ready, high-performance battery solution, enabling secure and reliable power for future rapid logistics and space mobility operations.