Start-up in bid to prove UK leads in space tech
A UK-built spacecraft engine that runs on metal is preparing for its first test in space, in a mission that could pave the way for longer-lasting, more flexible satellites.
The plasma thruster, developed by Oxfordshire start-up Magdrive, heats tiny bits of solid metal into a hot gas to produce powerful bursts of thrust.
In the future it could allow satellites to recycle parts of themselves, or space junk for fuel, but for now the metal is carried onboard.
The launch, which is due from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, US, at 22:00 BST, is backed by the UK and European space agencies.
Mark Stokes, chief executive and co-founder of Magdrive, said the mission showed what British innovation could achieve with the right support.
"We've spent four years building something that breaks the mould," he said.
"This launch isn't just about proving our tech – it's about proving the UK can lead in space."
Dr Gianluigi Baldesi, from the European Space Agency, said the quick progress from project start to launch demonstrated the "bold" innovation it aimed to encourage.
"In less than a year, we have gone from kick-off to launch," he said.
Data from the test flight is expected in August and September.
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