Hypernova Space Technologies Eyeing For Rocket Launch

Africa is demonstrating significant growth in the commercial space industry. The government introduced policy reforms and implemented programs in support of the increasing demand for space technologies. Plus, many encourage companies to invest in communication satellite development across the continent. Hypernova Space Technologies in Cape Town is changing the game in space missions.

The company developed a thruster system capable of propelling even the most minor satellites. Hypernova claimed that this cutting-edge technology is helpful for small satellites weighing less than 10 kilograms. It is also suitable for CubeSats, a type of minisatellite for space research measuring 10cm.

Most satellites are just computers tossed out the side of a rocket tumbling in space – Jonathan Lun. 

At present, about 3,200 nanosatellites are floating in space which will possibly increase exponentially over time. SpaceX alone is planning to launch a constellation consisting of 42,000 satellites. However, experts worry that this rapid increase may lead to severe problems in the future. When left unmanaged, nanosatellites risk colliding with each other, causing debris that might be dangerous for other ongoing missions. 

A SpaceX rocket tested in May using the company’s latest nanosatellites (Source: BBC)

Milestones Of Hypernova’s Thruster Technology Development 

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) researched Thruster tech but never fully succeeded. About a decade ago, Jonathan Lun, Hypernova’s Co-Founder and CEO, discovered an alternative fuel for space exploration. Then, he found out that an electric reaction could vaporize solid metal fuel. Then it allowed a jet of fast-moving plasma that could push a satellite forward. Mr. Lun also proved that solid fuels are stable enough to support the launching of a thruster system.

• Notable improvements were discovered during the series of tests undertaken by the team. There is no need for refueling during the launch or about the material being toxic or damaged, according to Stephen Tillemans, the head of engineering of Hypernova Space Technologies. 

• Hypernova has successfully undertaken several environmental tests. They tested the product by running it into a vacuum, within extreme temperature, and also with high vibration. 

• Hypernova’s first space mission is scheduled in early 2022 in partnership with EnduroSat, a company located in Bulgaria. They are targeting to evaluate the performance of the thruster technology in space. They will also calculate its force to determine whether it could successfully change the orbit of a satellite.

Hypernova Space Technologies Pushes For Partnerships With Other Organizations

MIT and ESA

Hypernova Space Technology continues to build partnerships in the area of research and development. Other organizations also showed their interest in investing in the development of thruster technology. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) takes part in the study of a 3D-printed thruster. It is a first-of-its-kind nanosatellite thruster that uses a combination of 3D printing and hydrothermal growth of zinc oxide nanowires. 

The 3D-printed thruster produces pure ions from the ionic liquid that causes propulsion. Researchers are hoping for the technology to be cost-efficient propulsion for miniature satellites. The pure ions enable the thruster system to become more efficient compared with similar modern devices. It generates more thrust per unit flow of propellant, as revealed by Luis Fernando Velasquez-Garcia of MIT Microsystems Technology Laboratories. 

MIT’s 3D-printed thruster (Source: MIT News)

The European Space Agency (ESA) introduced its Helicon Plasma Thruster. This compact thruster system is ideal for the propulsion of small satellites and maintaining the formation of prominent orbital constellations.

The Helicon Plasma Thruster uses high-power radiofrequency waves to stimulate fuel into a plasma. It was first tested in 2015 and is continuously being improved into a more compact and lighter design. Since then, the product will receive research funding from the European Commission’s Strategic Research Cluster on Electric Propulsion. The objective of the research is to further develop the technology into a viable option for small satellites. The result of the study is the new “Helicon Plasma Thruster of in-space applications”. 

South African Organizations

Aside from these recent developments, Hypernova is also collaborating with other industry players in South Africa. One of which is the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department at Stellenbosch University. The group is currently developing a technology that would allow satellites to dock with each other. The institutions may release more details about the study soon.

More importantly, the government has been supportive of Africa’s space industry. Since the first launch of the continent’s first-ever satellite over two decades ago, 44 more have been sent into space by 13 countries. Some 125 satellites are being developed and are expected to be launched into space by 2025. Based on a 2021 World Economic Forum report, data collected by satellites is valued at approximately 2 billion dollars per year.

Challenges and Next Steps 

The active partnership with the African government and other organizations plays a crucial role in the success of the Hypernova Space Technology space mission. Support to local businesses engaging in this type of project is critical. However, the continent’s space industry still has to overcome several challenges, mainly lack of resources. Considering the capabilities of the US and Europe, the comparison is indeed apples to oranges. 

There is more private funding available within the United States or European region. Whereas in Africa, it is a given fact that space technology is not a top priority. Changing the mindset of the government and the general public is another thing. Hopefully, this capital-intensive project will not fall through even with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Everyone must stay in control amidst the ever-changing world of technology. Investors need to adapt to these changes quickly. For Mr. Jonathan Lun, the only way to move forward is to scale-up Hypernova’s thruster technology. The cutting-edge technology has a strong potential for much bigger satellites and successful space explorations.

He is confident that using metal as fuel will open more extensive opportunities for the industry. Therefore, replacing the rare, expensive liquid and gas fuels with low-cost metal fuels is a game-changer.