Escape Dynamics

US-based Escape Dynamics has completed static tests of its electromagnetically powered propulsion system at its laboratory in Colorado, US.

Powered by beamed, high-power, microwave energy, the space launch thruster completed static test using helium demonstrated specific impulse (Isp) of more than 500 seconds.

If hydrogen is used as propellant, an Isp of more than 600 seconds can be achieved, the company said.

The test showed that the new propulsion technology can be used for orbital launch works on a lab scale.

Escape Dynamics co-founder and chairman Richard Schaden said: "Our recent tests are a major step forward in the continued advancement of our externally powered, high-Isp thruster, and validation of our efforts to change the manner of orbital launches."

Data collected from the trial will help develop a reusable, single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane that could transform the access to space.

"We can uniquely bring to market reusable, single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane, and aircraft-like operations to orbit."

The company intends to take the technology to multi-megawatt scales, and introduce it into a single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane.

Escape Dynamics’ spaceplane concept involves the wireless transfer of microwave energy to heat exchanger through an array of antennas on the ground.

As it flows through the heat exchanger, the hydrogen will be ejected and exhausted through the nozzle creating thrust.

The spaceplane will be designed to deploy the payload in orbit, and fly back to the launch pad for use on next flight.

Escape Dynamics president Laetitia Garriott said: "With this technology, we can uniquely bring to market reusable, single-stage-to-orbit spaceplane, and aircraft-like operations to orbit, and significantly decrease the cost of access to space for payloads up to 200kg."

Image: An artistic impression of Escape Dynamics’ spaceplane. Photo: courtesy of Escape Dynamics Inc.