Copernical Team
Image: Pinhole propulsion for satellites
Write a comment
A palm-sized propulsion option for future space missions: Each one of these seven emitter arrays etched onto this silicon wafer using micro- and nano-technology possesses more than 500 pinhole-sized emitters that spray out ions, accelerated via an electrostatic field to maximize thrust.
Inherently scalable, this "electrospray" technology is being developed as a cost- and mass-effective method of propelling CubeSats and other small satellites. For the first time in Europe, this ionic-liquid based electrospray propulsion system has achieved more than 400 hours of continuous operation.
"Everyone knows that 'space is hard,' but we like to say that 'propulsion is harder,'" comments Daniel Pérez Grande, CEO & Co-founder of IENAI Space in Spain, who is developing the technology for ESA. "Developing a new technology, which we have built from scratch, has been no easy feat, but we are confident that our propulsion products will stand out in the market for their incredible performance and customization capabilities; and in fact we have already been approached by a number of interested parties in the industry."
Known as ATHENA (Adaptable THruster based on Electrospray powered by Nanotechnology), this system is one of three currently being developed by ESA to harness electrospray propulsion for space.
Hyguane: green hydrogen for Ariane 6, Europe's Spaceport and more
Write a comment
Image:
The start of a more sustainable production facility to create hydrogen fuel for Ariane 6 – Europe’s new heavy-lift rocket – is underway.
Project HYGUANE – a portmanteau of the French words for hydrogen, French Guiana and the local Iguanas – is a €40.5M investment in a solar farm and distribution systems, being designed to be allowed to easily expand in the future.
Hyguane signing ceremony at the Jupiter Control Room in French Guiana
Write a comment
Image:
The start of a more sustainable production facility to create hydrogen fuel for Ariane 6 – Europe’s new heavy-lift rocket – is underway.
Project HYGUANE – a portmanteau of the French words for hydrogen, French Guiana and the local Iguanas – is a €40.5M investment in a solar farm, distribution systems and is being designed to be allowed to easily expand in the future.
After three years of studies, the project started on 21 December 2023 with the signing of the consortium agreement between the parties involved: four companies – Air Liquide, SARA, MT-Aerospace and BEBLUE; three universities – Université de Guyane, Université de Liège, Université Libre
Signing ceremony kicks off start of Hyguane green hydrogen project
Write a comment
Image:
The start of a more sustainable production facility to create hydrogen fuel for Ariane 6 – Europe’s new heavy-lift rocket – is underway.
Project HYGUANE – a portmanteau of the French words for hydrogen, French Guiana and the local Iguanas – is a €40.5M investment in a solar farm, distribution systems and is being designed to be allowed to easily expand in the future.
After three years of studies, the project started on 21 December 2023 with the signing of the consortium agreement between the parties involved: four companies – Air Liquide, SARA, MT-Aerospace and BEBLUE; three universities – Université de Guyane, Université de Liège, Université Libre
Green hydrogen for Ariane 6 and more
Happy holidays from ESA’s Hera asteroid detective!
Write a comment
Video:
00:00:25
Wishing you all the best for Christmas 2023 and a happy new year! This is a very special holiday season for ESA’s Hera asteroid detective and her two CubeSats – Milani the rock decoder and Juventas the radar visionary – because this is the last one they will enjoy on planet Earth. This time next year the trio of friends will be off on their adventure to explore Didymos, a double asteroid system that is typical of the thousands that pose an impact risk to planet Earth.
Find out more about Hera and her CubeSats by watching our
Bioprinting in 3D: 2023 Science Wrap
Write a comment
Imagine someone needs a heart transplant and scientists take cells from that person to create an entire new heart for them. Research on the International Space Station is helping to bring that dream closer to reality.
The process of 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) enables the design and production of one-of-a-kind items made of plastic, metal, and other materials, includ Urgency of climate intervention highlighted by rising temperatures and reduced air pollution
Write a comment
In the ever-evolving discourse on climate change, a significant debate is emerging, one that may soon capture mainstream attention. The crux of this debate is whether direct intervention in Earth's atmosphere is necessary to reduce incoming heat radiation, essentially terraforming our own planet.
The classical stance in the scientific community has been cautious, arguing that intervention Shenzhou XVII astronauts set for their first spacewalk
Write a comment
The crew of the Shenzhou XVII mission is gearing up for their inaugural spacewalk, a significant step in China's continuing endeavors in space exploration. The China Manned Space Agency, in a recent announcement, confirmed that the trio aboard the mission - Senior Colonel Tang Hongbo, Lieutenant Colonel Tang Shengjie, and Lieutenant Colonel Jiang Xinlin - are in optimal condition and ready for t Sidus Space's LizzieSat gears up for launch with successful test
Write a comment
Sidus Space, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIDU) has announced the successful completion of a crucial phase in the development of its LizzieSat satellite. This milestone comes as the satellite prepares for its impending launch on SpaceX's renowned Transporter-10 mission.
The recent completion of environmental testing at NTS Orlando marks a significant achievement for Sidus Space. LizzieSat, the centerpiec 
