Insider Brief
- Arkadia Space has successfully launched its hydrogen peroxide-based propulsion system, positioning it as the first European company to demonstrate the viability of green propulsion for space vehicles.
- The launch took place aboard D-Orbit’s ION satellite during SpaceX’s Transporter 13 mission, which lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
- Arkadia is also working on developing a high-performance bipropellant engine, which promises to deliver the same level of performance as hydrazine-based systems but at a significantly lower cost.
- The company is also expanding its test facilities in Castellón, Spain, with plans to have the new center operational by mid-2025.
Arkadia Space, a Spanish startup focused on sustainable propulsion solutions, has successfully launched its hydrogen peroxide-based propulsion system. This achievement positions Arkadia as the first European company to demonstrate the viability of green propulsion for space vehicles. The launch took place aboard D-Orbit’s ION satellite during SpaceX’s Transporter 13 mission, which lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Founded in 2020, Arkadia Space has been working to reduce the environmental and operational costs associated with traditional hydrazine-based propulsion systems, which remain the industry standard despite their toxicity and high expenses. The company’s hydrogen peroxide propulsion system offers a safer, more affordable alternative for satellite and spacecraft operators.
Francho García, CEO of Arkadia Space, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “This flight is not just a technical achievement but a commercial validation. We are proving that our technology is competitive, reliable, and ready for the market.” The successful deployment of this technology not only validates its performance but also reduces Europe’s reliance on foreign propulsion providers, marking a major strategic advancement for the region’s space industry.
The propulsion system aboard the ION satellite is a fully integrated solution, with all components designed and manufactured by Arkadia. It includes a high-concentration hydrogen peroxide tank, a structural and electronic system optimized for space, and two redundant monopropellant engines. Once the ION satellite enters its operational phase, Arkadia’s propulsion system will undergo a series of tests to assess its performance in space. The collected data will provide valuable insights, allowing Arkadia to refine its technology further and offer more reliable solutions to the market.
Looking ahead, Arkadia is also working on developing a high-performance bipropellant engine, which promises to deliver the same level of performance as hydrazine-based systems but at a significantly lower cost. The company is also expanding its test facilities in Castellón, Spain, with plans to have the new center operational by mid-2025.
Image credit: Arkadia Space
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