Australian company Neumann Space has announced the successful demonstration campaign of its latest propulsion system in orbit.
The ND-50 is the newest version of the Adelaide-based company’s Neumann Drive: an electric thruster design that uses solid metal as fuel to propel spacecraft.
Investments from the Australian Space Agency supported the original Neumann Drive design (through the SpIRIT satellite mission) as well as the company’s production facility.
Capping off a series of validation flights, the ND-50 was commissioned last week on board the CarbSAR In Orbit Demonstration Mission, led by UK company Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL).
With broad support that includes backing from the UK Space Agency, the CarbSAR mission is contributing to the advancement of next-generation Synthetic Aperture Radar capabilities.
The commissioning of the ND-50 confirms its in-orbit performance, reliability, and operational readiness – while also demonstrating how Australian companies are strengthening trusted international space partnerships.
Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, congratulated the Neumann Space team on their latest success.
“The Australian Space Agency is pleased to see the Neumann Drive system continue to evolve, attracting international attention and powering more space missions,” Mr Palermo said.
“From enabling the qualification of the original thruster through our almost $7 million investment in the SpIRIT satellite mission, to investing in Neumann's inhouse Australian production facilities, we are proud supporters of the Neumann Drive.”
Hervé Astier, CEO of Neumann Space, said the successful commissioning marks the end of the ND-50’s demonstration phase, transitioning it into full commercial production for operational deployment.
“We are now focused on scaling production to support allied defence and commercial customers who require reliable, responsive propulsion solutions in volume and with a short lead time,” Mr Astier said.
Clive Oates, Head of Australia for SSTL, said the mission underscores the strength of Australia’s growing cooperation with the UK in space.
“This mission also reflects our commitment to engaging with Australia’s industrial base and supporting the capability being developed across its space sector,” Mr Oates said.
Meanwhile, Neumann Space recently celebrated the launch of multiple ND-25 thrusters – a lower power variant of the ND-50 – aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-16, with additional systems set to fly later this year for a range of customers.
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Main image caption: The ND-50 is the newest version of the Adelaide-based company’s Neumann Drive.
Credit: Neumann Space
