There’s a common belief in space exploration: if we return to the moon and find ice, we can turn it into rocket fuel. This could help us reach Mars and use more ice if we find it there too. While this idea has been around since the Apollo days, experts, including former NASA administrator Bill Nelson and Elon Musk, have raised concerns about its feasibility.
So far, no one has successfully converted water into rocket fuel for a sizable spacecraft. However, a startup, General Galactic, is ready to tackle this challenge. They plan to launch a satellite this fall that will use water as its only propellant. If this mission succeeds, it could change how we operate satellites, especially as space becomes more crowded.
Halen Mattison, CEO of General Galactic, has a bold vision. He wants to create a “gas station” on Mars and a refueling network in space. This mission isn’t just about dreams. It’s grounded in real plans. They’ve secured a spot on a Falcon 9 rocket launching soon.
Spacecraft typically use two main propulsion methods: chemical propulsion and electric propulsion. Chemical propulsion burns fuels like liquid methane to produce thrust, which is powerful but not always efficient. Electric propulsion, on the other hand, uses gases like xenon, creating a low-thrust “burp” in space. While this might sound weak, it’s efficient enough to keep satellites in orbit and power long-distance space probes.
Although water isn’t perfect for either method, it has some unique advantages. Unlike other fuels, it doesn’t create the same risks associated with explosions or extreme cooling. For their upcoming mission, General Galactic will demonstrate both propulsion types. They’ll split water into hydrogen and oxygen for chemical propulsion and create a plasma from oxygen for electric propulsion using a Hall thruster.
This innovative approach aligns with the growing need for advancements in space technology, especially as tensions rise over space resources. According to the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, over 10,000 satellites are currently in orbit, and the demand for space services is expected to grow. The future of space exploration may well hinge on how effectively we can harness resources like water.
For more on space policies and regulations, check out the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs.
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