The Australian-made Space Industry Responsive Intelligent Thermal (SpIRIT) nanosatellite, which historically took flight last year, has a new fuel source.
Neumann Drive®, which is onboard the Agency-funded SpIRIT satellite, successfully completed on-orbit tests and demonstrated it is an important form of space propulsion available to the spacecraft.
This is a significant milestone in proving the capabilities of a cutting-edge Australian electric propulsion system, which uses solid metal propellants to deliver mobility to its spacecraft in orbit.
SpIRIT is led by The University of Melbourne and supported by the Agency’s International Space Investment and Moon to Mars initiatives.
“SpIRIT is a showcase of Australian space innovation as illustrated by the successful on-orbit test of the Neumann Drive®. The Agency congratulates Neumann Space and the SpIRIT team on this milestone, and we’re proud that our investment in this science mission continues to boost Australia’s space heritage.”
~ Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency
Pioneering metal-based propulsion technology
Neumann Drive® is a unique lightweight, high-efficiency solar-electric propulsion system that would help SpIRIT manoeuvre in orbit.
In August, SpIRIT was able to demonstrate charging of the Neumann Drive®’s power capacitors by the nanosatellite’s solar panels and batteries. The spacecraft conducted several test firings that demonstrated the ability to use Molybdenum as a solid metallic propellant.
A comprehensive Neumann Drive® testing campaign will continue for the remaining two-year SpIRIT mission.
“There is nothing like proving what you can do in space. Demonstrating our technology in the space environment is not only rewarding but important to delivering assurance and confidence to the global small satellite industry.
~ Herve Astier, CEO, Neumann Space
SpIRIT snaps Uluru from space
Aussie-ingenuity helps take image of the iconic landmark from 500 km above Earth.
Main image credit: Neumann Space