Design engineers at the Moscow Aviation Institute, in collaboration with the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, have created a new space plasma engine powered by krypton gas.
According to experts, this innovation will contribute to providing an alternative to xenon gas used as fuel for satellites, especially those that will operate within large constellations of satellites.
Alexander Bogaty, the project manager at the Moscow Aviation Institute, said: "No studies have been conducted in Russia to develop low-power engines powered by krypton gas, due to the availability of xenon, which is a more efficient gas, but more expensive. However, the need to create large constellations of low-cost satellites has prompted researchers to look for new solutions."
He added that krypton is less efficient as an engine propellant, but it is produced in large quantities, and its price is about 5 to 10 times lower than xenon, making it a promising option.
He noted that the unit would be able to operate in space for at least seven years, and was designed to be switched on and off repeatedly, generating thrust for at least 7,500 hours.
