Imagine a satellite as a piece of trash floating in space. This technology acts like a giant, invisible parachute that catches the thin air of the upper atmosphere to pull the satellite down and burn it up safely. It can even work automatically if the satellite breaks, ensuring it doesn't become a dangerous projectile.
Increasing space debris and stricter international regulations (like the US FCC 5-year rule) make it legally and financially risky to launch satellites without a reliable deorbiting plan.
An industrial-scale zero-propellant microtether system (APB) and a water-based resistojet thruster for collision avoidance and deployment.
If you are a satellite manufacturer dealing with stricter EU and US FCC rules requiring removal within 5 years of mission end — this project developed a zero-propellant microtether that ensures safe deorbiting for satellites from 1 to 500 kg.
If you are a fleet operator dealing with the risk of collisions among thousands of assets — this project developed a water-based resistojet thruster that allows even the smallest satellites to perform collision avoidance maneuvers.
If you are a new space entrant dealing with high costs of propulsion systems — this project developed a cost-effective, large-scale production solution for end-of-life disposal to meet 2027 launch demands.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not listed, but the technology is designed for cost-effective, large-scale production to remove barriers for new entrants.
Yes, the project specifically focuses on the industrialization of the Aurora Plasma Brake to meet the demands of the New Space industry, which expects 3,500+ launches in 2027.
The Aurora Plasma Brake is described as a patented zero-propellant microtether-based solution.
It aligns with US FCC rules requiring LEO spacecraft removal within 5 years of mission end and upcoming EU directives for space debris mitigation.
The system can either rely on the host satellite's systems or operate completely autonomously, deploying even if the satellite is no longer operational.
The project is led by a single Finnish SME, Aurora Propulsion Technologies Oy, with 100% industry participation. This lean structure suggests a fast-track approach to commercialization without the overhead of academic partners, focusing entirely on the industrialization of their patented hardware.
Contact Aurora Propulsion Technologies Oy in Finland
Contact us to explore licensing or integration of the Aurora Plasma Brake for your satellite fleet.
