PULSAR FUSION has successfully demonstrated a super-fast space engine capable of propelling a larger generation of satellites.
Partly funded by the UK Space Agency as part of a collaboration with Pulsar, the giant engine, 10 times larger than conventional engines of its kind, was fired at the University of Southampton on Monday (29th January).
As global launch services expand their capabilities, orbital payloads are expected to increase, and there is a growing demand for larger, more powerful ‘in–space propulsion’ systems.
The successful test means Pulsar is now able to supply these large plasma engines to enable much larger satellites to be utilised in space.
As the engine is designed to operate solely in space it required testing in a large vacuum chamber, making the demonstration challenging for the scientists.
Head of Operations & Pulsar Fusion, Dr James Lambert explained: “Launch companies such as Space X continue to place their client’s satellites into Orbit, but once a satellite is released from the rocket, it is on its own and requires a dedicated propulsion system to navigate into its correct orbit and stay there.
“These engines are very different to the fiery rockets that are used in launches. They have to work reliably in the vacuum of space and remain in operation for many years.
“Satellites are getting bigger and therefore they need bigger engines. The problem is that due to the fact that scientists need to be able to test and qualify these extremely complex, super hot plasma firing thrusters on Earth, and they can only be tested in a very high vacuum and operate at several million degrees.
“There are very few companies able to manufacture and properly test such engines. The UK has key scientific talent specialising in this plasma technology. Pulsar supported the Space Agency, has an outstanding track record in this kind or work”.
Pulsar Founder - Richard Dinan added: “This opens up an important business opportunity for Pulsar and the UK. We have been in conversations with global satellite manufacturers who have been keenly monitoring our progress.
“When it comes to plasma physics, Britain is very much still a centre for excellence and must fight to remain so. We are delighted with this result and this technology should keep our scientists employed for many years to come.”
For more information visit: https://pulsarfusion.com