Muon Space has successfully conducted the first space-based test of a Hall thruster using solid zinc as a propellant. The Starlight system became operational on its first attempt. Ground-based observations confirmed that the thrust generated by the engine successfully altered the satellite’s trajectory.
Image source: Muon Space via Global Newswire
The test took place on July 1 aboard the SERT-III spacecraft, which was specifically designed to validate the new propulsion system in an actual orbital environment. Telemetry data aligned with the results of preliminary ground tests: the system consistently fed and vaporized the zinc, while the thruster generated the calculated amount of thrust.
Most modern satellite Hall thrusters utilize xenon or krypton. These gases must be stored under high pressure, requiring specialized tanks that increase the spacecraft’s mass and complicate its design. Starlight operates using solid zinc, eliminating the need for high-pressure storage tanks.
Another advantage of zinc is the low cost and wide availability of the raw material. This is particularly significant for large satellite constellations: even a minor reduction in the cost of a single spacecraft’s propulsion system can yield substantial savings when scaled across dozens or hundreds of satellites.
Muon Space plans to use Starlight for orbit raising and correction, station-keeping, and controlled de-orbiting. The current version of the thruster is designed for small and medium-sized satellites.
During the tests, engineers also monitored whether the vaporized zinc caused contamination on the spacecraft’s surface. Sensors detected fewer deposits near the thruster than conservative pre-launch calculations had predicted. The data gathered will facilitate more accurate modeling of zinc dispersion and its impact on satellite equipment.
The next phase involves preparing Starlight for commercial use. Muon Space aims to enhance the system’s reliability, refine its serial production, and optimize propellant exhaust management. The company plans to install the current-generation thruster on customer spacecraft by the end of 2026.
Concurrently, Muon Space is developing a more powerful version of Starlight designed for larger spacecraft. Orbital testing for this version is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. If subsequent tests confirm the results of the initial experiment, solid metal could emerge as a practical alternative to traditional gases in electric satellite thrusters.
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