Taiwan university develops plasma propulsion system for satellites
台灣大學研發出用於微型衛星電漿推進系統
| TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Researchers at National Cheng Kung University have developed a propulsion system to help small satellites maneuver and remain in orbit more efficiently, CNA reported Wednesday.
The team from NCKU’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics created a device called a Vacuum Arc-Initiated Pulsed Plasma Thruster. The compact satellite engine uses electricity and metal instead of traditional rocket fuel. Professor Li Yueh-heng (李約亨) said the project began in 2014 and builds on earlier work in plasma propulsion systems, per Liberty Times. He said the team’s earlier design used solid metal as propellant, making the system lighter, smaller, and safer than conventional rocket systems. Li said a key improvement was making the system more stable and longer lasting. The team redesigned internal insulation components, allowing the system to operate for more than 400,000 firing cycles, compared with about 1,000 in earlier versions. The team also solved reliability problems found in older satellite thrusters. Instead of using a traditional ignition component that can wear out, the new system uses a vacuum-based electrical discharge. Li said the change also reduces the voltage needed to operate the system, lowering interference with satellite electronics. According to Li, the new system is more than three times more efficient than older designs. He said it can help satellites adjust their position, avoid collisions, maintain orbit, and safely re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. Li added that the team is now working with industry partners to move the technology toward commercial use. |
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| Michael Nakhiengchanh Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2026-06-24 |
