French New Space is in full swing at the start of the year, and a small company called ION-X is particularly scrutinized. The young company will soon test its prototype engine intended for small satellites.
A technology developed in the 80s
Founded in 2021 and from the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), ION-X is operating in a booming sector: that of microsatellites and satellite constellations. But the start-up intends to stand out thanks to its system which she considers to be “ the most efficient space propulsion technology ». It was developed in the 1980s by Jacques Gierak, engineer at CNRS and co-founder and principal technical advisor of the firm.
This relies on an electrospray thruster which “ involves plucking charged particles from the surface of a conductive ionic liquid by applying an intense electric field, which triggers the creation of Taylor cones, the electrohydrodynamic phenomenon from which ions are extracted », explains the company on its website. “ The device then expels quantities of rapidly charged particles which are further accelerated to give them great momentum “, she continues.
ION-X assures that its technology offers promising performance, allowing “ to very significantly increase the emitted flux, the speed of the ions, the duration of the unipolar thrust sequence, and the stability of the emission process without observable degradation “.
An attractive solution because it is also beneficial for the environment reducing fuel consumption by 30% compared to traditional propulsion methods. In December, the startup raised 13 million euros in a Series A round. It must now take a crucial step in its development: the testing of its prototype, in partnership with the Danish group Space Inventor.
The prototype tested in real conditions for six months
This six-month mission will begin with the launch of the 10 cc engine by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. in January 2025 », indicates ION-X. During this period, numerous tests will be carried out on the device, with the company planning to market its first engine from the middle of the year.
And she already sees much further with the production of 10 thrusters per month by 2026, to reach 200 annual thrusters from 2028. “ We are deeply convinced that our propulsion solutions can revolutionize the space mobility market, contribute to sustainable, innovative and cost-effective space missions, and carve out an important commercial position in a market hungry for reliable propellants. », Estimates Thomas Hiriart, CEO of ION-X.
- The startup ION-X will very soon test its engine for small satellites.
- She signed a fundraising campaign worth 13 million euros in December.
- The young company aims to produce 200 thrusters annually by 2028.
