British aerospace company Pulsar Fusion has successfully demonstrated a super-fast space engine capable of powering a new generation of larger satellites. Working with the UK Space Agency, the engine, which is 10 times larger than conventional engines of its kind, was fired up at the University of Southampton on Monday (January 29).

As the global launch service expands its capabilities, it is estimated that there will be an increase in orbital chargeleading to increased demand for larger and more powerful ‘space propulsion’ systems. The success of this test means that Pulsar can now supply these large plasma engines to enable the use of much larger satellites in space.

Because the engine is designed to operate only in outer spacetesting is required in a large vacuum chamber, making demonstrations a challenge for scientists. James Lambert, Pulsar Fusion’s Chief Operating Officer, explained that “launch companies like SpaceX continue to put their customers’ satellites into orbit, but Once a satellite is released from the rocket, it will move on its own and requires a special propulsion system to navigate into the correct orbit and stay there.«.

“This engine is very different from the rockets used in launches. They must operate reliably in a vacuum and remain operational for many years. “Satellites are getting bigger and bigger and need bigger engines. The problem is that because scientists need to be able to test and qualify these very complex super-hot plasma thrusters here on Earth, they can only be tested in the very high vacuum of space and operating at temperatures of several million degrees. Only a handful of companies are capable of producing and testing these engines properly. The UK has a scientific talent pool that specialises in this plasma technology. Pulsar, with the support of the Space Agency, has an outstanding track record in this kind of work,” Lambert said.

Pulsar founder Richard Dinan added: “This opens up significant business opportunities for Pulsar and the UK. We have been in discussions with global satellite manufacturers who are closely monitoring our progress. When it comes to plasma physics, the UK remains a centre of excellence and must strive to remain one. “We are delighted with this result and this technology will keep our scientists working for many years.”