Tag: Satellite Propulsion
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Air-Breathing Plasma Thruster Targets Sustained Satellite Operations in Very Low Earth Orbit
An atmosphere-breathing plasma propulsion system developed at the University of Stuttgart could allow satellites to operate for extended periods in very low Earth orbit by collecting atmospheric particles and using them as propellant. Created by Francesco Romano as part of his doctoral research, the experimental system combines a high-efficiency intake with a contactless radio-frequency helicon…
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U.S. Space Command Conducts First Multi-Orbit Dynamic Satellite Maneuver Exercise
U.S. Space Command has completed its first exercise dedicated to dynamically maneuvering operational spacecraft across low Earth orbit, medium Earth orbit and geosynchronous orbit, testing how military satellites in multiple orbital regimes could be repositioned as part of a coordinated operation. The exercise used actual spacecraft rather than relying solely on simulations. U.S. Space Command…
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NASA Books SpaceX Rideshare Launch for Green Dual-Mode Propulsion Satellite
NASA has manifested its shoebox-sized Green Propulsion Dual Mode satellite, known as GPDM, for an upcoming SpaceX rideshare launch. The spacecraft will conduct a nine-month orbital demonstration of a low-toxicity, dual-mode propulsion system that could provide small satellites with a safer alternative to conventional hydrazine-based propulsion. The mission will move technology studied at NASA’s Marshall…
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Letara Raises ¥2.6 Billion to Advance Low-Cost Hybrid Rocket Engines for Space and Defense Markets
Japanese propulsion startup Letara has secured approximately ¥2.6 billion ($16 million) in a Pre-Series A funding round as it seeks to commercialize a new generation of low-cost hybrid rocket engines designed for satellite propulsion, launch vehicles, and defense applications. The Sapporo-based company announced the financing on Aug. 20, saying the round was co-led by Headline…
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Kreios Space Targets 2028 VLEO Demonstration With NanoAvionics Satellite Bus
Spanish aerospace startup Kreios Space has selected Kongsberg NanoAvionics to provide the satellite platform for its first very low Earth orbit (VLEO) demonstration mission, which is targeted for launch in 2028. The mission will serve as the company’s first in-orbit test of its air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) technology, designed to enable satellites to operate for…
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Dawn Aerospace Raises $25 Million to Accelerate Spaceplane and In-Orbit Refueling Programs
Dawn Aerospace has secured $25 million in Series B funding at a post-money valuation of $195 million, providing fresh capital to accelerate development of its Aurora spaceplane and advance plans for in-orbit satellite refueling services. The New Zealand-Dutch space transportation company said the funding round was led by Balerion Space Ventures, with participation from investors…
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Juno Propulsion Raises $1.4 Million to Advance Rotating Detonation Engine for Spaceflight Demonstration
Juno Propulsion has secured $1.4 million in pre-seed funding to support the development of its first flight-ready rotating detonation engine (RDE), known as Project Iris, ahead of a planned in-orbit demonstration mission in 2027. The investment round was led by SOSV, with participation from Hypernova, Leslie Ventures, Activate, Collab Fund, Safar Partners, and Cape Fear…
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Reflex Aerospace Selects Arkadia Space Propulsion System for 2027 Satellite Mission
German satellite manufacturer Reflex Aerospace has selected Spanish startup Arkadia Space to provide the propulsion system for a commercial satellite mission scheduled to launch in 2027, marking the first time Reflex will deploy a chemical-propulsion system on one of its spacecraft. Under the agreement, Reflex’s 200-kilogram satellite will use Arkadia Space’s Triton 5N monopropellant engine…
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Bellatrix Aerospace Raises $20 Million to Scale Satellite Propulsion Production
Bellatrix Aerospace has raised $20 million in a pre-Series B funding round led by Cactus Partners, as the company looks to expand production of its satellite propulsion systems. The Bengaluru-based firm said the new capital will be used to increase manufacturing capacity in response to growing demand from satellite constellations in India and international markets.…
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Arkadia Space Secures €14.5 Million EU Funding to Advance Green Satellite Propulsion
Arkadia Space has secured €14.5 million in funding from the European Innovation Council Accelerator programme, as it works to commercialise a more environmentally friendly satellite propulsion system. The funding package includes a €2.5 million grant, €6 million in equity investment from the EIC Fund, and approximately €6 million from private investors. The support underscores the…