Current spacecraft missions are limited by the performance of propulsion systems. Hyperion Transport Systems Inc. is developing a novel electric thruster for in-space propulsion with higher fuel efficiency and thrust density, increasing maneuverability and mission capability while reducing required propellant.
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Theodore Mouratidis
Theodore Mouratidis is the co-founder of Hyperion Transport Systems Inc., a company developing a high-performance electric thruster for in-space propulsion. Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Theodore moved to Boston and received his BSc., MSc., and Ph.D. from MIT. His passion for space propulsion and research in fusion presented an opportunity to merge disciplines and leverage his experience to enhance mission capabilities in space.
TECHNOLOGY
Critical Need
As measured by launch cost per kilogram, access to space has improved by orders of magnitude over the last three decades due to the commercial launch services provided by SpaceX and others, driving explosive growth in the number of satellite launches. The mission requirements of the burgeoning space economy drive increased spacecraft capabilities in the form of extended mission duration, maneuverability, and agility. This creates demand for more efficient propulsion solutions, allowing satellite providers to tap their capabilities fully. Innovation is required in the in-space propulsion market, which is sparsely populated at desired performance levels.
Technology Vision
Conventional electric propulsion systems have high fuel efficiency and low thrust density, or vice versa. Hyperion Transport Systems Inc. employs materials advances to unlock both high fuel efficiency and thrust density, offering benefits that deliver substantial value to payload customers and mission planners. This technology is scalable and adaptable to an array of mission requirements. Its design accommodates a wide range of spacecraft, from small telecommunications satellites to larger crewed missions. This versatility allows for the applicability of the technology across various mission classes to meet the rising demand for in-space propulsion and maneuverability.
Potential for Impact
The space age of the 1960s brought about technological innovations that are used in everyday life. The last two decades have seen significant technological advances in launch capabilities via reusable rockets, dramatically decreasing launch costs. Hyperion Transport Systems is targeting advancements for in-space propulsion to push the boundaries of space mission capabilities. The novel thruster would enhance mission lifetime and allow access to high energy orbits for telecommunications satellites, which provide the internet to billions of people worldwide. Looking to the future, improved propulsion performance would greatly increase the critical payload necessary to execute science or manned missions.