This startup develops high-thrust plasma propulsion systems for small satellites. Their technology enables faster and longer spacecraft missions by significantly reducing propellant requirements, offering satellite operators and manufacturers more fuel-efficient and cost-effective access to space.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Small satellites face limitations in mission duration and maneuverability due to the constraints of traditional propulsion systems, which often require significant propellant mass and volume. This restricts their ability to perform complex orbital maneuvers, rendezvous, proximity operations, and end-of-life deorbiting effectively. Defense applications are also limited by the traceability of predictable satellite orbits.
Solution
Magdrive develops high-thrust electric plasma propulsion systems designed to enhance the performance and extend the operational life of small satellites. Their family of electric thrusters utilizes storable metal propellant and a pulsed power system to generate high-energy plasma, achieving significantly higher thrust compared to similarly sized electric propulsion systems. This technology enables satellites to perform rapid and precise orbital maneuvers, including sustained rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) for satellite servicing, stochastic movement for defense applications, and efficient constellation management with high-cadence avoidance maneuvers. Magdrive offers a range of thrusters, including the Rogue, Warlock, and SuperMagdrive, each tailored to specific mission requirements and thrust levels.
Target Audience
Magdrive's primary customers include satellite operators and manufacturers, particularly those focused on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM), and defense applications requiring advanced maneuverability and orbital control.
Features
- Pulsed Power System (PPS) delivers multi-kA, MW class electrical current pulses to the plasma injector
- Customizable performance enables adjustable specific impulse and deep throttling
- Integrated microprocessor allows command and control through the satellite's master controls
- Storable metal propellant eliminates the need for heavy fuel tanks, cryogenics, and pressurization
- Directional thrust vectoring up to 10˚ for main propulsion or attitude control
- Rogue: 30 mN maximum thrust, 3 kNs total impulse, launching 2026
- Warlock: 100 mN maximum thrust, 50 kNs total impulse, launching 2028
- SuperMagdrive: 10 N+ thrust, high specific impulse, and mega-Newton-seconds total impulse