Thales Alenia Space, a JV between Thales 67% and Leonardo 33%, and MIPRONS have signed a collaboration agreement for the development of a highly innovative, water-powered space engine.
Based on MIPRONS technology, protected by a patent in Italy and in the process of nationalization in other 49 countries, the innovative engine will be miniaturized, high-thrust and powered by a propellant that is as green and economical as water! Through the electrolysis process, hydrogen and oxygen are derived which are then released into the combustion chamber. This engine also has in its compactness and scalability other further and fundamental strengths for its use from nano satellites to large satellites.
Only by loading water (green, safe and economical), the system would also allow faster maneuvering times in activities such as lifting the orbit, exiting from orbit and preventing collisions.
Another element of innovation is the use of 3D printing that the MIPRONS concept exploits for the realization of its components.
This engine will be specifically designed for Thales Alenia Space satellites and being characterized by high efficiency and thrust, the required weight and volumes will be reduced to a minimum.
Thales Alenia Space will lead the development of the thruster to achieve a reliable, high-performance propulsion solution for small and medium-sized satellites. Furthermore, Thales Alenia Space in Italy will perform environmental tests on the engineering model.
"Our company is proud to have activated the technical collaboration for the development of new paradigms of space missions with MIPRONS, a reality that is making itself known nationally and internationally" - declared Massimo Claudio Comparini, CEO of Thales Alenia Space Italia. - "This agreement confirms Thales Alenia Space's strategy of being the protagonist of the new" new space "initiatives, confirming its central position in the space supply chain in synergy with the new start-ups that are emerging. Acting as a catalyst towards the realities of the ecosystem space, Thales Alenia Space is always ready to accept the challenges of a future that increasingly focuses on Space as a strategic sector. "
“I am extremely proud of the agreement reached with Thales Alenia Space - explains Angelo Minotti, CEO and founder of MIPRONS -. To have been considered worthy of attention by one of the largest space companies in the world is literally a privilege. It is clear that this project of ours, although still under development, has the potential to define a new paradigm in the space world, and we will do everything to make the system work as soon as possible ".
MIPRONS is a project born in 2019 from the idea of the founder, Angelo Minotti, to respond to the need to speed up orbital maneuvers in order to anticipate satellite operations and / or raise its safety level in the event of a collision threat (topic the more important the economic or strategic value of the satellite on which it is installed is high).
In just three years it has grown significantly by filing 3 international patents on innovative space propulsion systems and related components. In particular, MIPRONS is studying innovative solutions to obtain and use water in space applications: from the propellant of propellers to human needs on the planets.
