Researchers test electric iodine propulsion engine for satellites in orbit
Satellites that orbit the Earth today are equipped with drivers to help them reach the desired orbits and live there. At present, the drivers of satellite riding rely on electricity used to ionize and encourage Xenon particles to push. Because Xenon atoms are ionized, they can build push because of their weight. The challenge using Xenon for satellite pushboards is that the gas is rare, expensive, and difficult to store.
The new electric propulsion engine recently fired in orbit using alternative propellers. In-orbit tests are carried out by a company called Thrustme, utilizing iodine as a propellant. Thrustme believes the engine can be used to make satellites cheaper and more efficient than using current technology.
The main benefits of using iodine are abundant and cheaper than Xenon. Another big benefit of iodine is that it can be saved as a pressure solid. Before the orbit test, the iodine machine was used in land-based tests that showed the technology was worthy of small-scale machines for spacecraft.
Thrustme believes in addition to all the benefits mentioned above, iodine-based machines can be significantly smaller and simpler than machines that are currently used by satellites on board. Small machines for satellites mean more space for charge and instrument in the same size chassis. A simpler machine means fewer opportunities for failure. The main reason for the iodine machine can be significantly smaller is because there is no need for high pressure tanks because iodine can be stored as a solid.
After a successful demonstration, the next step in the testing program to develop a propulsion system can continue. When preparing for an orbital test with a small scale engine, the researchers have also developed a version with improved performance. In addition, team members also work on extensive land-based endurance test programs to explore technology boundaries.
Because prices to launch satellites continue to fall thanks to companies such as SpaceX and others, a large number of satellites are expected to be placed into orbit in the next decade. Thrustme wants to find a way to make satellites more affordable and efficient, allowing more exploration and analysis of our planet and the universe. While the project performs well, researchers noted there were challenges they had to overcome.
