SpaceX’s Raptor isn’t the only new propulsion system out there…
The burgeoning entrepreneurial space industry is in an exciting space right now. You might be aware of the fact that SpaceX has already started conducting tests of their next-generation rocket engine, Raptor, in Texas.
But what you might not be aware of is that there are plenty of rocket science and propulsion projects underway from the broader world of space startup companies. Here, we’re going to look at some cool projects in the work for space entrepreneurs keeping their eye out for the latest potential breakthrough.
Tesseract is all-business in space
Designing and building spacecraft propulsion hardware, Tesseract is cleaning up the space industry. With a focus on green propulsion to replace high toxicity heritage propellants, they’re creating a new line of clean off-the-shelf thrusters using modern materials and more efficient manufacturing processes. The cost-conscious nature of their services reflects a growing commercial industry in space, with modern service priorities like turnkey production and bespoke design and maintenance helping to serve a wider range of clients.
Bradford ECAPS is making space greener
High-performance green propulsion is the name of the game at Bradford ECAPS, a Swedish propulsion systems manufacturer. With an expert team taking the tasks of making, testing, and integrating new HPGP thrusters and complete liquid propulsion systems, they are helping create denser and better performing systems that are much more environmentally friendly than the more conventional (and highly toxic) hydrazine systems currently used.
Positron Dynamics helps antimatter matter
It might sound like stuff right out of a science-fiction novel, but Positron Dynamics is involved in a project using anti-matter to change how propulsion technology works. The most energy dense material in the universe, they have developed a rocket engine utilizing anti-electron particles that could mean not just more efficient propulsion but could shorten the time it takes to reach Mars from months to mere weeks.
Accion Systems is taking us well out of orbit
Replacing the tanks, pumps, valves and other heavy components used in spacecraft, as well as the toxic propellant systems, Accion has created a new ion engine much smaller, lighter, and more efficient than current systems that even boasts superior power. They are already manufacturing hundreds of units at a time, pioneering the electric propulsion technology that could help spacecraft get much father, much more easily once they have left the Earth’s orbit.
Ursa Major Technologies is making the stars more accessible
This Colorado-based team has been developing a range of turnkey propulsion solutions for “Venture Class” launch vehicles. After creating the first Oxidizer Rich Staged Combustion Engine for vehicles servicing the microsatellite and nanosatellite community, they’ve already developed the second, helping to facilitate more frequent launches to help customers quickly get their vehicles into low-earth orbit.
The increase in investing in STEM projects and the accompanying wave of new space entrepreneurship is igniting imaginations and creating a highly competitive space industry. SpaceX and their Raptor project might be stealing all the headlines, but don’t let that stop you from spotting other opportunities through that telescope.
You can discover even more space companies doing cool things at NewSpaceHub.co
