A revolutionary UK-built spacecraft engine that runs on metal is preparing for its first test in space this weekend, in a mission that aims to demonstrate the UK’s leadership in space technology and next-generation satellite propulsion.
The plasma thruster, developed by Oxfordshire-based start-up Magdrive, heats minuscule pieces of solid metal into a high-temperature gas to create bursts of thrust. Though the engine currently relies on onboard metal fuel, future designs could see satellites recycle parts of themselves or repurpose space debris to power their systems — a breakthrough that could lead to longer-lasting and more sustainable satellites.
The launch is scheduled for Saturday at 22:00 BST from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California, and is being carried out with support from both the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Magdrive’s co-founder and CEO Mark Stokes said the mission was the culmination of four years of work to deliver something genuinely disruptive.
“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.”
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
