Neumann Space collaborates with CNES, REDARC on EMI testing

Adelaide-based Neumann Space has signed a collaboration agreement with the French Space Agency, the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) and fellow Adelaide company REDARC Defence & Space to pursue Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) certification of the Neumann Drive®.

The Neumann Drive uses the company’s patented Centre-Triggered Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (CTPCAT) technology to convert a solid conductive fuel rod into plasma and produce thrust. It therefore offers an efficient, scalable and risk-free in-space electric propulsion or reaction control system for satellites and spacecraft. Due to its unique nature, the Neumann Drive enables refuelling through in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) of space debris.

Since no existing EMI qualification standard accurately captures the complex nature of pulsed propulsion systems, Neumann Space and its partners have developed a new test methodology aimed specifically at pulsed propulsion, with the goal of qualifying our Neumann Drive system.

This is an important part of Neumann Space’s product validation process, providing confidence to the company’s customers and ensuring that a clear quality certification process is in place.

Neumann Space approached CNES, which brings deep technical knowledge for EMI testing of Space hardware, and REDARC, who offer a certified test facility in Adelaide, to collaborate on the qualification effort.

A key component of the testing will be a unique, specialised vacuum chamber specifically designed and built for EMI testing of space-rated hardware. This is provided by Neumann Space and will be integrated into REDARC’s facility for the duration of testing.