Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Business Headlines | Internet | Science | Scientific Ethics | Technology | Search

 

Novel Kiwi Technology Could Make Mars Attainable

New Zealand’s space sector is expanding in Wellington

Robinson Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, is developing technology to revolutionise spacecraft propulsion, making it more efficient to propel rockets while in space.

The Institute along with partners from University of Auckland and University of Canterbury and with funding from MBIE are starting a five-year research and development program developing ion thrusters incorporating superconductor magnets on space craft.

The Institute’s Director Associate Professor Nick Long says: “Applying our superconductors to ion thrusters to propel satellites in orbit is just the beginning. In five year’s time, by the end of this program we will know how far we can scale our thrusters. With this technology, who knows, a New Zealand Mars mission may be possible!”

Once they are in orbit, satellites need to change their velocity, whether it is to adjust their orbit, point themselves in the right direction, or stay in the right place. With chemical propulsion systems, they burn fuel every time they accelerate.

The new thrusters will be electric, powered by solar cells meaning the energy for propulsion is captured while in flight, and by using superconductors, the thrusters will be more powerful for their weight.

This is “clever thruster technology based on using high field but light weight superconducting coils to accelerate ions to high exhaust velocities. This Kiwi technology will enable a new industry in electric propulsion for New Zealand” says Long.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Space has changed a lot since people first walked on the Moon, over 50 years ago. Private companies are now operating in space, from SpaceX with its powerful Falcon Heavy rocket, to New Zealand’s own Rocket Lab with its nimble Electron rocket, all potential beneficiaries of this technology.

The space sector is not new for Wellington; Robinson Research Institute members are already collaborating with the UNSW Canberra Space group on thermal management of satellites incorporating superconductor systems.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.