Helicity Space, a start-up based in California, is making strides in developing fusion engine technology for space exploration, thanks to undisclosed financing from a strategic investor. Key players Airbus Ventures and Voyager Space Holdings are also among the investors backing this innovative tech.
The fusion engine technology at work here involves short, powerful bursts of fusion that act as propulsion for spacecraft. Co-founder Stephane Lintner believes this could be the answer to issues surrounding current propulsion methods which can inhibit deep space travel. Lintner suggests that, with its reduced fuel needs and high power output, this technology could deliver unprecedented speeds, shorten travel times to distant celestial bodies, and thus revolutionize space travel.
Also of note is this technology’s potential to fuel eco-friendly space exploration. Fusion propulsion involves the use of isotopes of hydrogen, deuterium, and tritium, behaving as a cleaner alternative to conventional rocket fuels and their environmental hazards.
At present, Helicity Space anticipates this revolutionary fusion technology being the key to manned missions to Mars and beyond.
Advancements in Helicity Space’s fusion propulsion
Despite still being in development, the company is optimistic about the innovations this could bring to space exploration.
Organizations like NASA and the Defense Research Projects Agency are also considering alternative propulsion techniques for deep space missions, looking to solutions that evade the mass constraints of large fuel reserves. Vice President Chris Moran’s firm is exploring innovative, weight-efficient systems that are able to sustain long-distance voyages. Ideas under exploration include ion propulsion and solar sails.
Helicity Space has seen promising outcomes in experiments with plasma fusion technology. New finance will fuel further research, as the company works towards creating plasma of a higher intensity and temperature with a four-plasma-gun arrangement.
This recent finance confirms that start-ups exploring innovative solutions and emerging markets can attract investments between $1 million to $5 million, says Lintner. This represents growth opportunities for Helicity Space, while confirming the credibility of its technology and its position in the competitive landscape. This trend underscores the importance for start-ups to align with the new wave of investment focus on sustainable solutions.
