magdrive secures seed funding for new propulsion system which could take us to the stars
A pioneering startup focused on innovative spacecraft propulsion technology has the potential to transform interplanetary travel, bringing the possibilities depicted in “Star Trek” closer to reality. Magdrive has recently secured £1.4 million in seed funding, with Founders Fund – an early investor in SpaceX – leading the round, alongside contributions from Luminous Ventures, 7percent Ventures, and Entrepreneur First.
Magdrive is dedicated to creating a new generation of propulsion systems specifically designed for small satellites. The company asserts that its engine offers a substantial advancement in both thrust and efficiency compared to current electrical thrusters. This breakthrough could unlock entirely new mission capabilities within the space industry, eliminating the need for larger, more costly, and heavier chemical thrusters. The engine is projected to enable quicker and more economical interplanetary journeys, as well as enhanced operations in low Earth orbit, and greatly improve the feasibility of orbital manufacturing.
Current electrical propulsion systems excel in efficiency but produce limited thrust. Conversely, chemical thrusters deliver high thrust but are inefficient, and present handling challenges due to their hazardous and expensive nature. Magdrive proposes an engine capable of providing both substantial thrust and high efficiency within a single system.
Should it prove successful, the Magdrive engine could allow spacecraft to travel at greater speeds for extended durations. This advancement could facilitate new types of space missions, such as satellites – or even highly maneuverable spacecraft – capable of performing numerous, rapid adjustments without significant fuel constraints. Currently, such capabilities typically require chemical thrusters, which necessitate a considerable fuel payload during launch. For example, a 200kg satellite would need 50kg of hydrazine fuel, resulting in launch mass costs of approximately £1,350,000.Dr. Thomas Clayson, a co-founder and enthusiastic follower of “Star Trek,” earned a PhD in plasma physics, specializing in advanced electromagnetic fields. He identified this field as a potential foundation for developing a plasma thruster capable of achieving the acceleration necessary for interplanetary space travel. After connecting with Mark Stokes, a mechanical engineer from Imperial College London who shared similar aspirations for space exploration, they collaborated to construct a small-scale thruster intended for satellite applications.
However, Magdrive is not the only company pursuing this technology. Several other organizations are developing “Hall Effect Thrusters,” a technology that has been in existence since the 1960s. Current development efforts largely focus on miniaturization and weight reduction, while thrust and efficiency levels remain relatively unchanged. These companies include Busek, Exotrail, Apollo Fusion, Enpulsion, and NanoAvionics. Simultaneously, established international corporations with extensive technology portfolios, such as Aerojet Rocketdyne and Moog ISP, are working to enhance chemical propulsion systems and make them safer to handle.
The company’s long-term vision includes scaling up their technology to power larger, crewed spacecraft for journeys to distant destinations like the moon and Mars. This system is anticipated to offer a more cost-effective solution compared to chemical or nuclear alternatives, due to significantly reduced fuel expenses and its reusable nature.
Andrew J Scott, founding partner at 7percent Ventures, stated: “At 7percent, we prioritize supporting founding teams with ambitious, ‘moonshot’ goals. In Magdrive’s case, this is more than just a figure of speech: their innovative plasma thruster is poised to power satellites and, potentially, propel us into deep space. While the UK has a well-deserved reputation for satellite construction expertise, there has been comparatively less emphasis on propulsion technology. In fact, Great Britain uniquely developed and subsequently discontinued an independent satellite launch capability in the 1970s, which likely hindered the growth of the UK’s space sector. Therefore, we are pleased to support Magdrive, a member of a new wave of British space startups, with the potential to become a global leader in this rapidly expanding industry.”
The satellite industry was valued at $5 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $30 billion by 2030, driven by the increasing prevalence of mega-constellations. Approximately 5,000 satellites are scheduled for launch over the next two years, and 75% of the companies launching these satellites have already demonstrated successful spaceflight experience.
Magdrive is currently located at the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre in Harwell, Oxford.
Mike Butcher