Scalable Electric Propulsion by Eos Space Technology Expands Satellite Missions' Duration
Eos Space Technologies, a UK-based startup, is making waves in the satellite industry with its innovative approach to electric satellite propulsion. The company, founded by Dr Moe Ahmed, Dr Szymon Dworski, and Thomas Munro-O'Brien, has formed a consortium with Kispe and the Universities of Surrey and Southampton to develop scalable electric thruster systems.
The company is currently in the late stages of a grant application to the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre at Harwell. If approved, the grant would bring funding to Eos Space Technologies, starting by the end of 2025.
Eos Space Technologies' proprietary technology promises to revolutionise the satellite industry. The company's systems are designed to be 40% lighter and smaller, manufactured over 40% faster, and 40% cheaper than conventional electric propulsion systems. Moreover, they can double the lifespan of the propulsion system, effectively doubling total lifetime revenue per satellite, adding $5-25 million in value for customers.
Currently, many satellites fly without any onboard propulsion, leaving them unable to avoid collisions due to orbital congestion. By 2030, predictions estimate there will be over 50,000 satellites orbiting the Earth, compounding this problem. Eos Space Technologies' technology aims to address these challenges by providing efficient and versatile propulsion in an integrated scalable system.
The company's focus is on electric propulsion subsystems that can be scaled according to mission needs. This allows satellites to perform orbit-raising, station-keeping, collision avoidance, or deorbiting more cost-effectively and with less propellant compared to traditional chemical propulsion. This solves challenges in the satellite industry related to limited onboard fuel capacity and the increasing need for satellite maneuverability in congested orbital environments.
Eos Space Technologies' innovation is positioned within the wider movement to advance electric propulsion technologies that maximise power-to-weight efficiency and scalability. The company's Lampos system uses advanced electric propulsion technologies designed for adaptability across a range of satellite sizes and missions.
The demand for propulsion systems in small satellites (under 1,200 kg) is high, especially in the micro (50-200 kg) and mini (up to 500 kg) classes. Eos Space Technologies has received two letters of support from future customers and is anticipating obtaining IP waivers from the universities of Surrey and Southampton shortly.
The remaining £2.5 million will be sought upon delivery and successful functional testing of the Engineering Qualification Model (EQM). Eos Space Technologies is seeking an initial investment of £500,000 as part of a total £3 million raise. The company is looking for SpaceTech investors experienced in scaling space startups globally and supporting the development of a strong intellectual property pipeline.
Dr Syzmon Dworski, co-founder and CEO of Eos Space Technologies, expresses confidence in the demand for their offering. By supporting emerging market demands such as satellite servicing, repositioning, and extended operational lifetimes, Eos aims to contribute to the sustainable growth of satellite constellations and on-orbit infrastructure.
For more information about Eos Space Technologies, visit their website at www.eos-stl.co.uk.
- Eos Space Technologies, a UK-based startup, is developing scalable electric thruster systems, aiming to revolutionize the satellite industry with their lighter, faster, and cheaper technology.
- The company, founded by Dr Moe Ahmed, Dr Szymon Dworski, and Thomas Munro-O'Brien, is seeking an initial investment of £500,000 as part of a total £3 million raise, looking for experienced SpaceTech investors.
- If approved, a grant from the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre at Harwell would bring funding to Eos Space Technologies, with anticipated funding starting by the end of 2025.
- The demand for propulsion systems in small satellites, especially in the micro and mini classes, is high, and Eos Space Technologies has received support from future customers.
- The company's Lampos system uses advanced electric propulsion technologies designed for adaptability across a range of satellite sizes and missions, addressing challenges related to limited onboard fuel capacity and orbital congestion.