Supermagdrive Pathfinder:
Nov 2020 – Mar 2021
Prior to the incormporation of AstroMagnetics, the three directors undertook a number of investigatory projects, some funded by the UK Space Agency, that laid the foundations for its future technology development,
This first project studied the feasibility of operating superconductors in space and scalability of the Magdrive space propulsion system (a novel propulsion concept which lends itself well to scaling) to operate using a superconducting electromagnetic coil.
This project was undertaken in collaboration with Oxford University's Centre for Applied Superconductivity and Magdrive Ltd.
Supermagdrive ADR:
Nov 2021 – Mar 2022
This project studied the use of High Temperature Superconducting magnets to scale up the Magdrive propulsion system to meet the needs of active debris removal spacecraft, building on work performed in the previous Supermagdrive Pathfinder project. It was a full system engineering study and included: the detailed design of a high current power supply suitable for an HTS magnet, testing of an HTS magnet ( supplied by Tokamak Energy) under simulated space launch and orbital environment conditions.
The project was conducted in partnership with Magdrive (electric propulsion), Astroscale (active debris removal) and Tokamak Energy (superconductors).
UK High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) Space Experiment: Jan 2022 – Mar 2022
This project refined the concept design for a space- based demonstration of a High Temperature Superconducting electromagnet system, explored during the previous Supermagdrive Pathfinder project, for its ability to support advanced high thrust electric propulsion (the Supermagdrive)
The in-space operation of an HTS magnet would be a world-first for the technology.
Market Study:
2022
Market study for a leading Nuclear Fusion SME identifies spacecraft attitude control as an important product application of HTS-based magnet technology.
AMS Formation:
2022
AstroMagnetic Systems Limited incorporated based on market interest in the HTS-based electromagnet technology
Attitude Control Investigation: Aug 23 - Nov 23
AstroMagnetic Systems Limited Carried out an investigation, funded by UKSA, into HTS-based attitude control technology in collaboration with NewSpace Systems UK Limited.