A COMPANY in Oxford could be helping provide energy for missions to outer space as it joins forces with NASA.

Culham-based OXIS Energy will supply its latest generation of ultralight lithium-sulfur cells to the National American Space Agency - which have the potential to save the latter millions.

NASA will test the the cells under a range of conditions to assess their cycle life, energy density and low temperature performance.

Every 1kg of weight saved by a space agency equates to more than $20,000 of savings.

OXIS CEO Huw Hampson Jones said the company was 'delighted' to work with NASA.