Researchers at Imperial College in the UK have created an innovative micro-motor that could change the way small satellites are maneuvered in the future.
What’s new is a device the size of a fingernail, which does not require large storage facilities, and is called the ICE-Cube Thruster – “ICE” is short for “Iridium catalytic electrolysis“, or iridium catalyzed electrolysis in Portuguese.
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What does a small space rocket look like?
- As the name suggests, the thruster is based on electrolysis and is designed to maneuver small satellites in space.
- To move, an attached electrolyzer moves a 20-watt current through the water and produces hydrogen and oxygen to generate thrust.
- To give you an idea of the minimum size, the ICE-Cube is so small that the combustion chamber and nozzle together are only 1mm long.
- Due to its dimensions, the small space rocket can only be assembled using a special microelectronics-based approach called MEMS (or “Micro-electromechanical systems“In English). Information from the portal Phys.org.
How powerful is the ICE-Cube Thruster?
In tests, the ICE-Cube has so far reached the 1.25 mN mark of thrust sustainably for 185 seconds (about 3 minutes).
The first experiments were conducted in the laboratory to prove the real-world viability of the propellant. Data collected during the activity will guide the next steps in the development of the innovative micromotor.
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Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.