Satellite propulsion systems are increasingly critical for maximizing mission lifetime, but the added mass of traditional propulsion systems can add costs.

Madrid-based space mobility startup Ienai Space aims to tackle this problem with its ATHENA (Adaptable Thruster based on Electrospray powered by Nanotechnology) technology. 

“At the end of the day, [electric propulsion] saves a lot of propellant mass, which means that it basically directly translates to saving costs,” Daniel Perez Grande, co-founder and chief executive at Ienai Space, tells Connectivity Business News in this episode of “The Dish” podcast. 

NASA estimates that electric propulsion systems can reduce propellant needed by 90% and save satellite operators millions in launch costs.

CubeSats and nanosatellites, which weigh 10 kilograms or less, are being more widely used but have not traditionally had on-board propulsion, Perez Grande says. 

Electrospray thruster technology enables smallsats to function without large, high-power propulsion systems by using liquid ions in space as propellant. 

As space becomes increasingly crowded with the expansion of constellations, satellites will need propulsion to maneuver in orbit, Perez Grande says.

“Most satellites will require a propulsion system, which means that if you’re investing in satellites, you should also invest in propulsion systems,” he says.  

Ienai Space, which has a commercial pipeline of $32.4 million for its ATHENA thrusters, last month announced it raised $4.2 million — a total of $7.6 million since its 2019 founding — toward the demonstration of its electrospray thruster technology, which is planned for the end of this year.