Founded in 2019, Magdrive is developing a range of high-thrust electric propulsion systems for satellites and spacecraft. The company is currently working toward an initial test flight of its Rouge thruster aboard a D-Orbit mission in June. Rouge is the smallest of the three propulsion systems under development.
The company states that its propulsion systems use “solid metal as propellant,” which can be “sourced and refueled from recycled ‘space junk’ or other in-space sources.” This capability is a key element of its broader ambition to scale up its propulsion system for use in in-space servicing spacecraft, large-scale constellation management, and interplanetary travel.