Alberto Garbayo
CEO
URA Thrusters
URA Thrusters provides sustainable in-space propulsion systems using water as a propellant. Their Hall-effect thrusters (HET) and Microwave Electrothermal Thrusters (MET) offer cost reductions and enhanced mission flexibility for satellite operators.
Updated 7 months ago
Funding
Funding rounds are not available yet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional spacecraft propulsion systems often rely on hazardous or expensive propellants, limiting mission flexibility and increasing operational costs. The need for more sustainable and cost-effective alternatives is growing, particularly with the expansion of satellite constellations and the increasing regulatory scrutiny of toxic fuels like hydrazine.
Solution
URA Thrusters develops and supplies sustainable in-space propulsion systems that utilize water as a primary propellant. Our product portfolio includes Hall-effect thrusters (HET), Microwave Electrothermal Thrusters (MET), and a hybrid system (HYDRA), all designed to offer significant cost reductions and enhanced mission flexibility compared to conventional systems. By leveraging water electrolysis and advanced manufacturing techniques, our propulsion solutions provide high specific impulse and thrust capabilities while eliminating the environmental and safety concerns associated with traditional propellants. This approach supports a broad spectrum of spacecraft sizes and mission profiles, from CubeSats to larger GEO platforms.
Target Audience
Our primary customers are satellite manufacturers and operators, including those developing CubeSats, SmallSats, and larger GEO platforms, who require cost-effective, high-performance, and environmentally friendly propulsion solutions.
Features
- **Hall-Effect Thrusters (HET):** Designed for water or oxygen propellants, offering an order of magnitude cost reduction over xenon-based systems and increased specific impulse at lower power levels. Available in models like WETHET-2000 (48mN thrust, 3000s Isp at 2000W) and WETHET-5000 (120mN thrust, 3000s Isp at 5000W), targeting market entry in 2026-2028.
- **Microwave Electrothermal Thrusters (MET):** Cathodeless propulsion with high thrust-to-power ratio and long operational lifetimes. The AQUAMET model utilizes water, providing 30-150mN thrust and 500-1000s Isp at <1000W, with market entry projected for 2024/25. Other propellant options include ammonia, CO2, xenon, and krypton.
- **ICE Propulsion System:** A high-thrust system ideal for various satellite sizes, utilizing water electrolysis and hydrogen-oxygen catalytic combustion. It offers high specific impulse comparable to hydrazine systems but with reduced mass, volume, and cost due to advanced manufacturing. Models include ICE-10 (10mN thrust, 310s Isp) and ICE-1000 (1000mN thrust, 310s Isp), with market entry in 2024.
- **HYDRA Hybrid Propulsion System:** Integrates both chemical (ICE) and electric (HET) propulsion capabilities using a common water tank and electrolyzer. This system provides dynamically flexible mission planning, allowing for both high thrust and high specific impulse modes within a single, integrated unit.
- **Modular and Scalable Architecture:** All propulsion systems are designed with modularity and scalability in mind, allowing for customization to meet specific customer requirements and platform sizes.
- **Water Electrolysis Integration:** Core technology involves on-board water electrolysis to generate hydrogen and oxygen propellants, simplifying propellant handling and reducing launch site complexity.