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.

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.

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