Earlier this week at the Space Bound 2024 conference, Reaction Dynamics received $1.5 million in funding for two projects from the Space Space Technology Development Program announcement of opportunity 8. Additionally, the Canadian Space Agency stated Thursday, September 26, the day after the conference ended, that the company had received $776,000 in funding “to support the on-orbit demonstration of its monopropellant propulsion unit, commonly referred to as a microthruster.”
Reaction Dynamics funding earlier in the week was for the Development of a lightweight propellant tank for an orbital launch vehicle ($1M) and the Development of Carbon-Neutral Fuel for Hybrid Rocket Engine ($500,000).
The additional funding came also came through the Space Space Technology Development Program but another AO, this one called Technology Demonstration AO. This AO began on January 21, 2022 and closed this year on April 30.
The company has been developing a new small satellite launch vehicle with a “unique” hybrid rocket engine that uses “green” propellant. The process has been taken several years. And in an effort to generate an early revenue stream, the company began taking some of the technology it developed for its launch vehicle and use it for other products. This includes a new propulsion system, a microthruster, for satellites.
With respect to the small satellite launch vehicle, sources tell SpaceQ an announcement of when a suborbital test of their new Aurora class small satellite launcher isn’t too far off.
According to the CSA, “Reaction Dynamics is advancing the development of an innovative, eco-friendly propulsion system aimed at enhancing satellite manoeuvrability, including collision avoidance, proximity operations, and satellite deorbiting. This technology is designed to be more efficient and easier to handle and produce, representing a significant leap in satellite propulsion.”
The CSA added that “The demonstration will evaluate key performance parameters for space operations such as orbit maintenance, altitude adjustments, inclination changes, collision avoidance and controlled atmospheric re-entry. The ability to execute these manoeuvres with greater precision and agility will refine mission profiles and contribute to space sustainability, particularly by enabling more efficient deorbiting processes.”
“The microthruster is designed to improve satellite agility by delivering high-density impulse while reducing environmental impact compared to conventional propulsion systems. It features 3D-printed components and is offered as a fully integrated unit, resulting in lower production costs, reduced resource requirements, and easier integration for customers. The flight heritage gained through this demonstration is a critical step toward the commercialization of the technology.”
