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Buckinghamshire-based Space Agency partners with University of Michigan

Buckinghamshire-based Space Agency Pulsar Fusion has partnered with the University of Michigan to develop an international relationship concerning electric propulsion research with the USA.

Electric propulsion and specifically Hall effect thrusters are a key technology enabler for spacecraft. Pulsar believes building a relationship with the team at the University of Michigan will lead to innovation through the shared expertise of the two organisations. This partnership will be funded from the first phase of the UK Space Agency’s £20 million International Bilateral Fund and is the second project awarded to Pulsar Fusion by the UKSA.

Until now, there has been no such collaborations between the UK and USA on Hall thruster research. This new partnership will allow the UK to benefit from some of the leading researchers in the world of thrusters.

Pulsar Fusion CEO, Richard Dinan, said: “As a manufacturer of space engines, there are regulatory challenges in being based in the UK, but England does have a fantastic talent pool and our scientists deserve to be at the forefront of these emerging technologies. This is another key US partnership for Pulsar – we continue to pursue best-in-class innovation, and this is particularly exciting given the global commercial interest in these engines. Following last month’s announcement of our work with Princeton Satellite Systems, we remain optimistic that companies like Pulsar can continue to advance our technologies whilst remaining in the UK with access to unparalleled scientific resources.”

Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO, Paul Britton, commented: “Partnerships between Thames Valley companies and international academic institutions aren’t uncommon and we are always delighted to see in-region companies fulfilling their potential through international cooperation.”

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