Arkadia Space received data back from its first mission in space proving that its DARK propulsion system—which uses safe-to-handle hydrogen peroxide to generate thrust—can perform as well as, if not better than, toxic hydrazine equivalents.
DARK launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-13 mission in March aboard a D-Orbit ION satellite carrier. Since then, Arkadia has been demonstrating its ability to perform short bursts of thrust—under 100 millinewton-seconds in impulse—which will be critical for customers wanting high-precision maneuvers in space.
Greenhorns: In the five years since its founding, the Spanish propulsion startup has notched some significant wins while developing green propulsion systems.
- Arkadia has won four ESA contracts to develop several thrusters. These range from the 5-Newton DARK engine for satellite maneuverability, to the 250-Newton version built for vertical lift rockets.
- At the start of the year, Arkadia signed a deal to supply its 250-Newton engines for MaiaSpace’s launch vehicles.
The company expects to deliver the full order of engines to MaiaSpace by the end of the year. Arkadia is also lobbying the Spanish Space Agency to increase green propulsion contract funding at the ESA Ministerial Council in November, which will determine Europe’s civil space funds for the next three years.
“ESA is one of the first entities interested in substituting hydrazine systems, and at the same time, they are very bullish with hydrogen peroxide,” Arkadia CEO Francho García told Payload.
The other green: For Arkadia and its customers, the decision to use green propulsion systems isn’t just driven by environmental concerns and worker safety. Ultimately, hydrogen peroxide saves money.
While filling a propulsion tank with hydrazine can run as high as €2M ($2.3M), the same operations on Arkadia’s first mission cost less than €50,000 (~$57,000)—including the ground equipment the company developed and shipped to the US, according to García.
What’s next: Arkadia will develop its in-space propulsion system to withstand highly variable temperatures in orbit, which can cause hydrogen peroxide to degrade more quickly.
To meet larger orders, the company is considering boosting its production capacity and vertically integrating its supply chain. Arkadia’s goal is to produce 300 to 400 propulsion systems per year—a mix between satellite and rocket engines.
