Neumann Space propulsion system tested in orbit

In-space electric propulsion developer Neumann Space has successfully tested in orbit its Neumann Drive electric propulsion system based on solid metal propellants.

Neumann and the University of Melbourne announced the drive and a number of other local technologies that had been integrated onto the SpIRIT nanosatellite had been successfully tested.

The Space Industry Responsive Intelligent Thermal nanosatellite (SpIRIT) mission was developed by a consortium led by the University in cooperation with the Italian Space Agency and with funding from the Australian Space Agency.

This month, SpIRIT was able to demonstrate charging of the Neumann Drive’s power capacitors by the nanosatellite’s solar panels and batteries, and conduct several test firings.

This successfully demonstrated the ability to use Molybdenum as a solid metallic propellant.

Neumann Space’s CEO Herve Astier said: “There is nothing like proving what you can do in space.

“Demonstrating our technology in the space environment is not only rewarding but important to delivering assurance and confidence to the global small satellite industry.”

The Neumann Drive brings together the use of solid metal propellant with a simple design that enables mobility in space on demand.

The SpIRIT nanosatellite has been operating in orbit approximately 500km above Earth since its launch in December 2023, numerous diagnostic tests performed to validate the system’s electronics.

A comprehensive Neumann Drive testing campaign will continue for the remaining of the two-year SpIRIT mission.

The SpIRIT mission Principal Investigator Professor Michele Trenti said: “The SpIRIT mission office is thrilled about the successful test fire of the Neumann Drive, one of the major mission objectives.

“All SpIRIT payloads have now been operated in orbit.

“It’s a fantastic achievement given how hard space is and their experimental nature.”

Picture: Neumann Space