Lunar probe uses eco-friendly water-powered thrusters for propulsion
10:40 JST, May 7, 2022
Space propulsion methods are diversifying with the creation of water-powered thrusters that are safe, eco-friendly and sustainable. One start-up, Pale Blue Inc., is already looking for business opportunities in the field.
Water-powered thrusters use low pressure to convert water into vapor. When the vapor is ejected into space at high speeds, it creates propulsion. While it is weaker than conventional propellants, it can still push small satellites.
The water-powered thruster has already been installed as the engine for a small lunar probe, EQUULEUS, developed jointly with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the University of Tokyo.
EQUULEUS will be launched via a U.S. rocket as early as this summer. Its trajectory will be controlled by the water-powered thruster while also making use of the sun and moon’s gravity to travel to the far side of the moon.
Jun Asakawa, who was involved in the EQUULEUS project when he was a graduate student at the University of Tokyo, founded Pale Blue with his teammates two years ago, seeking a business opportunity in water-powered thrusters.
The company developed a unique engine that not only ejects vapor but also ejects ions generated by applying radio waves to the vapor.
This fiscal year, Pale Blue plans to test a satellite equipped with its own engine. It has also signed nearly 10 contracts for water-powered thrusters to be used by small satellites in Japan and overseas.
“In the future, we hope to realize space transportation based on water engine technology,” Asakawa said.
Water is believed to exist on the moon and Mars.
JAXA Prof. Ryu Funase said, “Water taken from the moon can be injected into the spacecraft, which could then be used to fly to more distant destinations.”
"Society" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Cherry tree falls on man on Sanneizaka steps leading to famous Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto
-
Tokyo District Court Rules AI Cannot Be Issued Patents; Law Recognizes Only ‘Natural Persons’ as Inventors
-
Small Animal That Appears to be Mouse Found in Chojuku Bread Products; Some Brands on Same Production Line to be Recalled Voluntarily
-
Earthquake Hits Japan’s Ibaraki, Tochigi, Chiba Prefectures, No Risk of Tsunami
-
Man Repels Bear Attack in Hokkaido by Kicking its Face After Encountering 2 Bears While Sightseeing
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Weakening Yen Adds Complexity to BOJ’s Rate Hike Decisions; Rising Commodity Prices may Impact ‘Virtuous Cycle’ Efforts
- Japanese Seafood Exports to China Sink 57% in FY23; U.S. Becomes Largest Seafood Export Destination
- 70% of Japan Companies to Raise Pay Scales in FY 2024
- Minutes Show Policymaker Wants BOJ to Consider Further Rate Hikes Further
- ASEAN Plus 3 Share Concerns About Excessive Exchange Rate Fluctuation; Seeking Stability in Exchange Rate