All articles tagged with #propulsion systems
The article discusses the concept of interstellar ship design competitions, highlighting the technical, societal, and philosophical challenges of building generation ships capable of long-term space travel, including propulsion, self-sufficiency, human psychology, and cultural sustainability.
A recent study explores the potential of using aerographite solar sails for faster and more efficient space travel to Mars and interstellar space. Solar sails, which use sunlight for propulsion, could dramatically reduce travel time and fuel requirements. Simulations showed that a solar sail made of aerographite could reach Mars in just 26 days and the heliopause (interstellar medium) in 5.3 years. The low density and mechanical properties of aerographite make it an advantageous material for solar sails. However, deceleration upon arrival at the destination remains a challenge that requires further study.
Benchmark Space Systems has been awarded a $2.81 million contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to develop and test thrusters using Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic (ASCENT) fuel. The contract aims to optimize the thrusters for size, weight, and longevity, with the development of a 22 Newton thruster for hot-fire demonstrations and a preliminary design of a 100 Newton thruster assembly. Benchmark is also establishing an Advanced Propellants Group to explore nontoxic chemical, electric, and hybrid propulsion systems, potentially expanding the usage of ASCENT and other green propellants in the space industry.
Agile Space Industries has raised $13m in a seed funding round led by Caruso Ventures, with participation from Lockheed Martin Ventures, Greater Colorado Venture Fund, CORI Innovation Fund and Greenline Ventures. The Colorado-based company plans to use the funds to expand its metal additive manufacturing and chemical propulsion testing infrastructure, as well as accelerate product development activities. Agile is supplying thrusters for robotic lunar landers being built by Astrobotic Technology and Japan’s ispace, and has established diversification between national security, civil and commercial space with some great opportunities for recurring business.