Space Solar and Magdrive unite for in-space infrastructure move
Announced at the Farnborough International Space Show, this collaboration of the Harwell duo is formalised through a newly signed MoU and will operate under the Space Propulsion & Infrastructure Innovation Initiative (SPI³).
SPI³ marks a significant step towards realising the UK’s ambitions for sustainable, scalable clean energy from space. By harnessing Magdrive’s high-efficiency propulsion technology, the initiative aims to overcome the critical challenge of transporting, assembling, and maintaining large-scale SBSP and other infrastructure in orbit.
Space Solar is advancing towards its first 30MW SBSP product within the next five years, and the ability to manoeuvre and maintain the shape of large solar power satellites is paramount.
Magdrive’s cutting-edge propulsion systems could be integrated into Space Solar’s upcoming demonstration missions, providing crucial orbit-raising, assembly, and shape control capabilities.
“Innovation in propulsion is essential to making large-scale space infrastructure a reality,” said Sam Adlen, Co-CEO of Space Solar.
“Space Solar and Magdrive share a vision of advancing sustainable space operations that benefit earth and this collaboration will pave the way for new propulsion solutions that will be indispensable for space-based solar power and other large scale space infrastructure.”
The partnership also represents a significant boost for the UK's space supply chain, creating opportunities for high-value jobs and technology development across the sector. It underscores the nation's commitment to fostering world-class innovation in both clean energy and space technology.
With SPI³, Space Solar and Magdrive will work closely to refine the propulsion requirements for SBSP infrastructure and explore broader applications for UK-led space innovation.
This partnership not only strengthens the UK’s position in the global space economy but also accelerates efforts to unlock new markets in orbital energy generation.
Mark Stokes, CEO, MagDrive said: “We're excited to work with Space Solar, they're building the future of space energy and infrastructure on a scale never seen before. By working together we'll be propelling the space industry towards enabling sustainable life on earth. Here's to the new space age!”
With a shared commitment to pioneering scalable space solutions, this MoU signals the beginning of a transformative journey towards commercial SBSP deployment.
As Space Solar gears up for its next major milestones, the inclusion of Magdrive’s propulsion systems into its architecture brings the vision of clean, limitless energy from space one step closer to reality.
