A little-known startup just used AI to make a moon dust battery for Blue Origin

In a groundbreaking development, an innovative startup has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to create a battery that converts lunar dust into energy. This remarkable technology was showcased by Blue Origin during the Amazon re:Invent 2025 conference in Las Vegas, with key contributions from Istari Digital. According to Istari CEO Will Roper, the device functions by extracting heat from moon dust, effectively transforming it into a viable energy source. Roper elaborated, stating, "It's like vacuuming at home, but while you do it, you generate your own electricity." This advancement is particularly significant for lunar missions, which face challenges during the two-week lunar night when temperatures plummet, risking the functionality of spacecraft. A reliable and enduring power source is essential for operations during these dark periods. Roper, who previously served as the assistant secretary of the Air Force, explained that the entire design process of the battery was driven by AI. A crucial aspect of Istari's technology is its ability to manage and reduce AI hallucinations, ensuring that the generated designs strictly adhere to defined requirements. He described this process as creating a "fence around the playground" where the AI can innovate without straying from set parameters. Furthermore, Roper emphasized that while the AI may not confirm the quality of a design outright, it ensures that all necessary standards and requirements are satisfactorily met before proceeding to operational phases. Istari is also notable for its backing by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and its collaboration with the U.S. government on various projects, including an unmanned aircraft in partnership with Lockheed Martin. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, this pioneering advancement represents a significant leap toward sustainable energy solutions for future lunar explorations.