A UK aerospace company, Pulsar Fusion, has secured an 18-month contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop its Hall-Effect Thruster technology. This propulsion system, which uses plasma engines to propel spacecraft by ionising gas, is gaining traction as a key component for future space missions.
The contract follows the announcement of a demonstration mission by US-based Momentus Inc., showcasing Pulsar’s advanced Hall-Effect Thruster technology, scheduled for late 2026. This collaboration further strengthens the UK’s position in Europe’s in-orbit propulsion ecosystem and offers potential procurement opportunities for British space technology companies.
Pulsar Fusion’s CEO, Richard Dinan, stated, “ESA’s support is an important endorsement of Pulsar Fusion’s growing capabilities in advanced propulsion. This collaboration reflects our shared ambition to deliver cleaner, more efficient technologies that enable sustainable operations in space.” The contract, co-funded by the UK Space Agency, integrates Pulsar into Europe’s in-orbit mobility supply chain, addressing sovereignty concerns.
The UK economy’s reliance on space technology is significant, with satellite services underpinning 18% of GDP. The House of Lords UK Engagement and Space Committee recently highlighted the capital access challenges facing UK space start-ups. Pulsar’s technological advancements and financial backing from major space powers—UKSA, ESA, and NASA—position it at the forefront of British innovation.
The electric propulsion market is projected to exceed $1.5 billion by 2033. With global demand for next-generation space engines increasing, Pulsar Fusion represents the UK’s leading opportunity to establish a sovereign propulsion capability relevant to both Europe’s and America’s in-orbit mobility supply chains.
