French startup ThrustMe has reported a surge in orders for its iodine-based propulsion systems for small satellites, signalling a shift towards a more sustainable space environment. The company’s NPT30-I2 electric thruster, first tested in 2020, uses iodine instead of the more exotic xenon, providing small satellites with autonomous maneuverability to help avoid collisions and deorbit when necessary. The company has surpassed 200 orders, doubling its order book within just four months.
The space industry is currently going through a significant transformative phase with an increasing number of launches and the emergence of new space actors. Sophisticated in-orbit maneuver capabilities will be essential to prevent collisions and manage the growing threat of space debris in increasingly cluttered orbits. While small satellites with their own propulsion systems are not a new concept, it is a growing trend and one part of the larger puzzle of making space activities sustainable.
Experts note that satellite propulsion used to involve large, expensive chemical thrusters, which were not feasible for many smaller satellites. However, the reliability, feasibility, and cost of electric thrust have improved, making it possible to add maneuverability to more satellites. This could potentially enhance space sustainability by enabling more satellites to remove themselves from orbit at the end of their life and avoid potential collisions. However, this is not guaranteed and managing low Earth orbit remains a complex issue.
Currently, Earth-based observation can only track objects larger than 4 inches. According to the European Space Agency, there are about 1 million debris objects between 0.4 and 4 inches in size, and an estimated 130 million fragments smaller than 0.4 inches in orbit around Earth. Each of these can cause serious damage or create more debris if they collide with another space object. As maneuverability becomes the standard for satellites, they are increasingly not sitting ducks for hurtling space debris or other spacecraft. This, however, brings new challenges such as responsibility and developing expertise.
Key Takeaways:
- ThrustMe, a French startup, is seeing increased demand for its iodine-based propulsion systems for small satellites, indicating a trend towards more sustainable space operations.
- The increasing number of satellites and new players in the space industry necessitates more sophisticated in-orbit maneuver capabilities to prevent collisions and manage the growing problem of space debris.
- While the ability to maneuver satellites is a positive step towards space sustainability, it also presents new challenges such as the need for in-house expertise to respond to close approach warnings and develop maneuver plans.
“ThrustMe has passed 200 orders, the company said in an Oct. 24 statement, representing a doubling of its order book within just four months. The company’s 4-inch-by-4-inch-by-4-inch (10 centimeters by 10 cm by 10 cm) NPT30-I2 electric thruster — which was first tested in 2020 and uses relatively cheap and abundant iodine, instead of the more exotic xenon — provides small satellites with autonomous maneuverability, helping them avoid collisions and to deorbit when the time comes.”
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