The U.S. space sector stands at the forefront of innovation, offering unparalleled opportunities for economic growth, technological advancement, and sustainable development.
This Special Focus Publication delves into critical facets shaping the future of space: propulsion technology for small spacecraft, addressing space debris, and the expanding space economy. Together, these articles present a comprehensive overview of the dynamic changes in space, each focusing on a unique area that highlights the evolving challenges and opportunities in this field.
Revolutionizing small spacecraft propulsion
The first article highlights the groundbreaking work by NASA’s Glenn Research Center on Small Spacecraft Electric Propulsion (SSEP) systems. By leveraging solar electric propulsion, NASA has developed a compact and efficient propulsion technology that extends the operational life of sub-kilowatt Hall Effect Thrusters (HETs).
This advancement significantly enhances the maneuverability and longevity of small spacecraft, particularly in high-demand areas such as low-Earth orbit (LEO), geostationary orbits, and even lunar missions. The SSEP system addresses a crucial technology gap and opens the door to affordable rideshare missions, reducing launch costs and optimizing payload capacity.
Mitigating space debris through advanced propulsion
The second article focuses on Champaign-Urbana Aerospace’s (CUA) development of innovative micropropulsion systems aimed at addressing the growing challenge of space debris. These systems, designed for use on micro and nanosatellites, offer a range of capabilities, such as collision avoidance, orbit adjustments, and end-of-life deorbiting. By providing a responsible space option, CUA’s propulsion technologies help to mitigate the dangers of space debris, including preventing the catastrophic ‘Kessler syndrome,’ where orbital debris increases to the point that space operations become unsafe.
Key technologies discussed include the Fibre-Fed Pulsed Plasma Thruster (FPPT), which provides high specific impulse and long operational life at a lower cost than other systems, and the Monofilament Vaporization Propulsion (MVP) system, which enables continuous thrust with cost-effective, safe, and low-power operation. These systems are designed to extend the operational capabilities of satellites, allowing them to avoid collisions and deorbit responsibly, in compliance with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 5-year deorbit rule. Additionally, CUA’s systems have applications in active debris removal (ADR), making them essential tools for managing the growing orbital debris challenge.
Growing the U.S. space economy
This publication culminates in an article exploring how strategic investments in space technology fuel the U.S. space economy, which accounted for over $232bn in gross output in 2022. As the space industry continues to expand, innovations in satellite services, remote sensing, and space infrastructure development are reshaping global markets.
The NOAA Office of Space Commerce outlines the key trends driving this growth, from the decreasing cost of launches to advances in AI-powered space systems. By fostering public-private partnerships and promoting regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with sustainability, the U.S. is poised to maintain its leadership in the space economy for decades to come.
This Special Focus Publication offers a forward-looking perspective on the U.S. space sector, highlighting the groundbreaking technologies and strategies that are shaping its future. From revolutionary propulsion systems enabling more efficient small spacecraft missions to innovative solutions addressing the urgent issue of space debris and the continued expansion of the space economy, these articles demonstrate the profound impact space technology has on both industry and society.
