Electric propulsion forms platform for SPRINT success

In addition, the University’s state-of-the-art David Fearn Electric Propulsion Lab simulates space, in particular lower Earth orbit. The lab is used for testing various types of electric propulsion systems such as small to medium plasma-based thrusters for spacecraft including gridded ion thrusters and Hall thrusters, for example. The lab allows thermal vacuum testing of heating and cooling, up to about 100+ degrees Celsius and down to -50 degrees Celsius. The heating and cooling simulates the spacecraft’s environment in lower Earth orbit, in particular.

Dr Charlie Ryan, Associate Professor in Astronautics at the University of Southampton says: “With space-enabled capabilities including simulations, vacuum chambers and thermal chambers, the University of Southampton offers comprehensive facilities and expertise in electric propulsion systems across a wide variety of different electric propulsion systems.”

Magdrive, a Harwell-based company, has pioneered a propulsion system for small satellites that reduces the required propellant for extended satellite lifetimes and offers the high efficiency of electric propulsion with a much higher thrust.

The firm signed up SPRINT to collaborate with the University of Southampton to test its prototype system to develop an in-space demonstration model and commercialise the new technology for the global space sector.

The University, which is a leader in the field of propulsion and engine systems engineering, shared its expertise in magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) simulations and extended the use of its vacuum chamber to test Magdrive’s prototype thruster hardware. This accelerated the product development process by six months and reduced risks due to the access to test facilities and simulation code. In addition, Magdrive was able to develop new diagnostics and a joint space mission which took place at the end of 2021.

The University has now performed a preliminary test of a combined propulsion system using Magdrive’s Power Processing Unit (PPU) and its own thruster. These preliminary tests were successful and have enabled the partnership to identify the commercial potential of this technology.

A resulting agreement has been signed to share research capabilities in a long-term research partnership.

Pulsar Fusion, a specialist in high-speed spacecraft propulsion and clean energy applications from nuclear fusion, has collaborated with the University of Southampton to develop an innovative low-cost Hall effect thruster (HET) for use on-board satellites in the increasing number of smallsat constellations. 

Pulsar’s thruster has been produced by using an innovative, new manufacturing process to reduce costs by approximately 70 per cent against other solutions currently available in the UK. The new HET will be used in space propulsion systems, particularly in large smallsat constellations, where low-cost components are highly sought after to enable satellite companies to deploy larger constellations at significantly reduced costs.

Smallspark Space Systems, a Cardiff-based firm, designs safer engines and propulsion systems for the space sector. The business collaborated with the University of Southampton on a project to design a high-performance satellite thruster that would offer greater manoeuvrability and exploration freedom to low-mass satellites. This would create the first satellite thruster used in Low Earth Orbit or beyond, and the first ever hybrid rocket-based satellite thruster.

The engine was manufactured at the University’s Engineering, Design and Manufacturing Centre (EDMC) while test firings were carried out at its Jet Propulsion facilities. Over 30 test firings were completed, demonstrating the excellent performance and flexibility of the hybrid chemical thruster.

Steamjet Space Systems develops water-based propulsion systems for CubeSats and small satellites. The company signed up to SPRINT to work with the University of Southampton to test and validate the Steamjet propulsion unit, to determine if it would be safe for launch-site operations or storage within the International Space Station, thus reducing overall mission risks. The propulsion system allows small satellites and CubeSats to stay longer in space, and can change and optimise their orbit, while operating in constellations and de-orbiting at the end of their missions.

Smallspark Space Systems sought the expertise of the University of Southampton to develop its own artificial intelligence to assist in the design of its novel combustion chamber architecture.

The project combined Smallspark’s engine design capabilities and the mathematical expertise of the University of Southampton’s Operational Research group. This enabled the firm to develop tools which could be used in designing and optimising the next generation of low-cost, ecologically safe, rapid response rocket engines for the MoD, and those seeking to maintain telecom constellations.

Smallspark also used its new software capabilities to design various other launch systems, while working with industry partners to assist in improving the cost and efficiency of their aerosystems.

Protolaunch is another Harwell-based business which specialises in propulsion technology for launch vehicle applications. The firm signed up to SPRINT to work with the Astronautics group at the University of Southampton, which provided its expertise and facilities to validate the Protolaunch engine cycle and support the development of a hardware prototype, developing engines suitable for launch vehicles and upper stage engines.

Cold-flow tests of the engine were conducted at the University’s Graham Roberts Jet Propulsion Laboratory where water was put through the system at high pressure and corresponding pressure drops were measured, along with hot-fire rocket tests which were conducted offsite at Westcott Venture Park. The latter encompassed a major hot-fire test-campaign of the 10kN HILBERT rocket engine and is now ready to work with strategic aerospace partners to qualify, bespoke, and deploy its propulsion systems into small launcher applications.