A revolutionary UK-built spacecraft engine that runs on metal is preparing for its first test in space this weekend, in a mission that aims to demonstrate the UK’s leadership in space technology and next-generation satellite propulsion.
The plasma thruster, developed by Oxfordshire-based start-up Magdrive, heats minuscule pieces of solid metal into a high-temperature gas to create bursts of thrust. Though the engine currently relies on onboard metal fuel, future designs could see satellites recycle parts of themselves or repurpose space debris to power their systems — a breakthrough that could lead to longer-lasting and more sustainable satellites.
The launch is scheduled for Saturday at 22:00 BST from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California, and is being carried out with support from both the UK Space Agency and the European Space Agency (ESA).
Magdrive’s co-founder and CEO Mark Stokes said the mission was the culmination of four years of work to deliver something genuinely disruptive.
“We’ve spent four years building something that breaks the mould,” he said. “This launch isn’t just about proving our tech – it’s about proving the UK can lead in space.”
Dr Gianluigi Baldesi of the ESA praised the rapid development cycle from concept to deployment, describing it as an example of the bold innovation Europe is keen to support.
“In less than a year, we have gone from kick-off to launch,” he said.
Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency, called the flight a “critical demonstration” of a new kind of propulsion system that could power thousands of satellites in the coming decades.
“We’re proud to support home-grown innovations that push scientific boundaries,” Bate said.
The data gathered during the test flight will be transmitted back to Earth and analysed in August and September, offering key insights into the engine’s performance in space.
The mission is seen as a key stepping stone in the UK’s growing space ambitions. With small satellite launches and low-Earth orbit missions on the rise, Magdrive’s successful demonstration could help place the UK at the forefront of next-generation propulsion technologies, potentially powering fleets of agile, sustainable satellites in future space economies.
