Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed an agreement with the Italian startup MIPRONS to develop of a highly innovative propulsion system for satellites, using water as a fuel!
Based on MIPRONS’ proprietary technology, patent filed in 50 countries, this miniaturized, high-thrust thruster will use a very green, cost-effective propellant – water! An electrolysis process splits the water into hydrogen and oxygen, which are fed into the combustion chamber. Only loading water, the system would allow faster maneuvers such as orbit-raising, de-orbiting and collision avoidance. Because the system is both compact and scalable, it can be installed on all size satellites, from small to large.
The innovative MIPRONS concept also calls on 3D printing for a number of components.
Purposed-designed for Thales Alenia Space’s satellites, this powerful and high-efficiency thruster will feature reduced weight and volume. Thales Alenia Space will guide thruster development to achieve a reliable, high-performance propulsion solution for small and medium satellites. Thales Alenia Space in Italy will support the environmental testing of the engineering model.
“We are very proud to team up with MIPRONS, which is gaining increasing international recognition, since our collaboration could well change the paradigm for space missions,” said Massimo Claudio Comparini, CEO of Thales Alenia Space in Italy. “This agreement confirms Thales Alenia Space’s strategy to play a pivotal role in new space initiatives, reflected in synergies generated with exciting new startups that catalyze the entire space ecosystem. We are always willing to tackle new challenges that emphasize the growing strategic importance of the space sector.”
“I am extremely proud of our agreement with Thales Alenia Space,” added Angelo Minotti, CEO and founder of MIPRONS. “It’s truly a privilege to earn the trust of one of the world’s largest space companies. Our project, although still in its early stages, clearly has the potential to define a new paradigm in space, and we will do everything we can to have the system up and running as soon as possible.”
About MIPRONS
MIPRONS was founded in 2019 by Angelo Minotti to address the need to speed up satellite orbital positioning and react more quickly in the event of a collision threat. In just three years it has grown significantly filing 3 international patents, on innovative space propulsion systems and the relative main components. In particular, it is focusing the attention on water in space applications, both for propulsion and human needs.
About THALES ALENIA SPACE
Combinant plus de quarante ans d’expérience et une diversité unique en termes d’expertise, de talents et de cultures, les architectes de Thales Alenia Space conçoivent et délivrent des solutions innovantes pour les télécommunications, la navigation, l’observation de la Terre et la gestion de l’environnement, l’exploration, les sciences et les infrastructures orbitales. Les institutions, gouvernements et entreprises comptent sur Thales Alenia Space afin de concevoir, réaliser et livrer des systèmes satellitaires : pour géolocaliser et connecter les personnes et les objets partout dans le monde ; observer notre Planète ; optimiser l’utilisation des ressources de la Terre et celles de notre Système solaire. Thales Alenia Space a la conviction que l’espace apporte une nouvelle dimension à l’humanité pour bâtir une vie meilleure et durable sur Terre. Société commune entre Thales (67 %) et Leonardo (33 %), Thales Alenia Space forme également la Space Alliance avec Telespazio pour proposer une offre complète de solutions incluant les services. Thales Alenia Space a réalisé un chiffre d’affaires d’environ 2,150 milliards d’euros en 2021 et emploie environ 8900 personnes dans 10 pays, avec 17 sites en Europe et une usine aux États-Unis.