Last year, we saw a surge in interest and investment in the field of orbital mobility within the space industry. Various startups working on tech for agile satellite operations attracted hefty investments from venture capitalists. One such startup is Magdrive, a UK-based company, whose innovative electric propulsion system for satellites promises to deliver superior thrust in a smaller package compared to other available options.
Designing propulsion systems for spacecraft involves balancing various factors. Traditional chemical-based systems offer high thrust but low efficiency or specific impulse. On the other hand, electric propulsion (EP) systems are highly efficient but produce low thrust. Magdrive has ingeniously tackled this issue by developing an EP system that utilizes solid metal propellant to create high-energy plasma. This system combines the high specific impulse of a chemical system with significantly improved thrust and reduced mass, according to the company’s CEO, Mark Stokes.
This advancement in propulsion technology opens up new mission possibilities for spacecraft operators. They can now utilize electric propulsion without having to rely on heavier, more expensive chemical thrusters. Stokes believes this will give Magdrive a significant edge in the electric propulsion market and even allow them to compete with chemical propulsion.
Stokes predicts that the ability to rendezvous satellites will be crucial to the future of space industry. Traditionally, satellites are launched with just enough fuel to maintain their orbit for the duration of the mission. However, with more efficient propulsion, the potential for new capabilities, such as prolonged rendezvous, collision avoidance maneuvers, and unpredictable orbits, becomes possible.
This concept of orbital mobility, referred to as “dynamic space operations” by Pentagon leaders, has piqued the interest of the Department of Defense. Recognizing the potential of its technology, Magdrive was chosen as one of six startups for the Space Force’s Hyperspace Challenge accelerator last year.
One of the standout features of Magdrive’s technology is its scalability. The company’s initial products, Rogue and Warlock systems, can be deployed in a grid to combine thrust or can be built at larger sizes. Magdrive is also developing a “Super Magdrive” that’s about the size of a dishwasher.
Magdrive, established by Stokes and CTO Thomas Clayson in 2019, has grown significantly. The company is preparing to test its first two full-scale Rogue thrusters on orbit this June. To support its growth and expansion, including manufacturing its first commercial products and opening a U.S. subsidiary, the company has secured a new funding round worth $10.5 million.
In the long term, Magdrive sees advanced propulsion as a critical infrastructure that will drive the continued growth of the space industry. The Rogue and Warlock systems are designed to be reusable and fueled by materials readily available in space. Stokes believes this gives Magdrive a unique advantage as most propulsion systems require fuel to be transported from Earth.
The recently secured funding round was led by Swiss fund redalpine, with participation from Balerion, Founders Fund, Alumni Ventures, Outsized Ventures, 7percent, and Entrepreneur First. After the initial orbital demonstration this summer, Magdrive aims to launch a Warlock system in 2026 and a Super Magdrive in 2027.
Stokes highlights the importance of maneuverability in future space missions. Magdrive’s technology promises to offer significant improvements in how much maneuvering can be achieved in the operational life of a spacecraft. This development is set to revolutionize the space industry and open up new opportunities for exploration and innovation.
