IENAI SPACE
The startup develops ionic-liquid electric propulsion systems tailored for nano-satellites, providing a customizable solution for satellite manufacturers to meet specific mission requirements. This technology enables efficient space mobility analysis, allowing clients to optimize propulsion performance in the smallest satellite platforms.
- Aerospace
- Hardware
- Software Only
Funding
Raised to date
$7.7MRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Small satellites, particularly CubeSats and NanoSats, face limitations in maneuverability and mission lifetime due to the lack of efficient and customizable propulsion systems. Traditional propulsion solutions are often too bulky, power-intensive, or not adaptable to the unique constraints of these small platforms, hindering their ability to perform precise orbital maneuvers, constellation deployment, and deorbiting operations.
Solution
IENAI SPACE provides customizable electric propulsion systems based on electrospray technology, specifically designed for small satellites under 300kg. Their ATHENA thrusters offer a modular, building-block approach that allows for power scaling from several Watts to hundreds of Watts, adapting to various mission requirements. These systems enable precise in-space mobility, including orbit phasing, transfer, low altitude drag compensation, and end-of-life deorbiting, while optimizing propellant usage and maximizing payload capacity. IENAI SPACE also offers software tools, such as GO™, for intuitive thruster design and mission analysis, facilitating fast selection and planning of propulsion systems using genetic algorithms and machine learning.
Target Audience
IENAI SPACE serves satellite manufacturers, integrators, and operators focused on small satellites, constellations, and space debris mitigation, particularly those requiring precise orbital control and extended mission lifetimes.
Features
- Customizable electrospray thrusters tailored to specific mission requirements and satellite platforms
- Modular design enabling power scaling and adaptable form factors for optimal payload occupation
- High specific impulse (1600-2000 s) and thrust-to-power ratio (30-50 µN/W) for efficient maneuvering
- Software tools (GO™) for intuitive thruster design and in-depth space mobility analysis
- Genetic algorithms and machine learning for fast optimal selection and planning of propulsion systems
- Solutions for end-of-life deorbiting, collision avoidance, and constellation deployment
- Electrospray technology that operates at temperatures comparable to other spacecraft electronics, eliminating the need for ad-hoc thermal management