The growing issue of satellite overcrowding in orbit has reached a critical point, with over 20,000 satellites now occupying space since the start of the space age. Magdrive, a British startup, claims to have found a solution with its new propulsion system that will make satellites 10 times more maneuverable and reduce the mass devoted to propulsion by 10 times.
The company’s system uses solid metal as fuel, which is denser than traditional propellants like hydrazine. This allows for a simpler design that reduces storage and handling issues, making it ideal for mass production of mega-constellations. However, there are challenges to overcome, including surface contamination and ensuring reliable thrust generation.
The Magdrive system works by creating power using onboard solar panels and then ionizing solid metal to produce a highly energetic plasma. This plasma is then expelled in the opposite direction, generating thrust. The company plans to launch its first version of the system, Warlock, into orbit in June 2025.
While the technology has promise, it’s still early days for Magdrive. The startup aims for its first commercial deployment by next year and targets clients across various applications, including Earth observation, satellite servicing, and communications. However, regulatory challenges and technical hurdles remain, particularly around using space debris as a fuel source.
MinKwan Kim, an associate professor at the University of Southampton, notes that while Magdrive’s system has potential benefits, surface contamination is a significant challenge. Ensuring reliable thrust generation also requires precise monitoring and control systems to maintain uniform output. The use of recycled metal from space junk also poses technical and regulatory challenges, including ownership and data protection issues.
Despite these challenges, Magdrive’s innovative approach to propulsion has the potential to transform the satellite industry. As the demand for satellite services continues to grow, companies like Magdrive will play a crucial role in developing sustainable solutions to address overcrowding and other challenges facing space exploration.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/science/satellite-powered-solid-metal-magdrive-spc/index.html