Build a propulsion engine that harnesses the infinite energy of the Sun

North Dakota-based IVO Ltd, the world’s leading developer of wireless power technologies, launched its first satellite electric propulsion system in June 2023.

IVO’s thrusters will eliminate the need to refuel the satellite.

IVO’s propulsion engine will eliminate the need to refuel satellites. (Picture: iЅtock)

IVO Quantum Drive System will be launched on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter 8 mission. IVO hopes to successfully test the satellite’s propulsion system in low Earth orbit, moving toward commercialization of the technology.

Since its creation in 2017, IVO has grown Wireless power transmission technology called capacitive-based aerial transmission (CBAT). CBAT’s wireless transmission technology allows operators to reduce battery size by 50%. To address the space industry’s large carbon footprint, IVO has also built an electric-only propulsion system for spacecraft. Their efforts led to the birth of IVO Quantum Drive.

According to IVO, the new propulsion system is much more efficient than conventional rocket systems. The IVO Quantum Drive can deliver 52 millinewtons (mN) of thrust from one watt of electricity. Energy comes from electricity storage and solar energy. This is a big step forward from Hall effect thrusters, also known as ion engines. Ion engines can achieve thrust of 25 to 250 mN despite lower energy efficiency (65 to 80%) and higher power consumption, typically 1 to 7 kilowatts (kW).

Weighing around 300g, the IVO Quantum Drive is also much lighter than ionic motors (200kg). Using this method, IVO’s engine does not need to refuel or leave its orbit due to fuel depletion, thanks to harnessing the infinite energy of the Sun.

IVO Quantum Drive has been successfully tested in a vacuum chamber on Earth and is being prepared for launch into orbit. There, the IVO Quantum Drive will be deployed on the Rogue Space Systems satellite for the first major test in space. “The small size and enormous capabilities of Quantum Drive will help us develop cost-effective, fuel-independent, flexible, ultra-light and ultra-efficient spacecraft.”shared Brent Abbott, Chief Commercial Officer of Rogue Space Systems.

Article source: VnExpress