Latest news with #propulsion
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CleanJoule's SpaceSAF Successfully Fuels a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine
The recent ground test illustrates the viability of high-performance alternative fuels for space missions PARIS, June 18, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a first-of-its-kind test, CleanJoule's high-performance alternative rocket fuel, SpaceSAF, was successfully used to power a Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine (RDRE) developed by Venus Aerospace, marking a major validation of next-generation fuel compatibility with cutting-edge propulsion systems. The ground test was conducted at Venus's Houston-based test site and represents a significant step forward in expanding the operational flexibility of RDRE technology across dual use missions. "Without affordable, domestically-produced alternative fuels, the financial and environmental costs of space missions become unsustainable," said Mukund Karanjikar, CEO and founder, CleanJoule. "The successful detonation of an RDRE utilizing SpaceSAF proves that alternative fuels can deliver for both performance and emissions needs in commercial and defense applications." SpaceSAF is a drop-in replacement for liquid (RP-1 & RP-2) rocket fuels that improves mission performance including increasing payload and distance. From the same base material used to produce SpaceSAF, CleanJoule also produces a sustainable solid rocket fuel (SSRF) for use as a superior performance, drop-in replacement for existing solid rocket motors. This milestone comes at a critical time with an ecosystem emerging that is focused on expanding access to space across satellite deployment, exploration, and defense systems. As more frequent launches drive up related CO2 emissions, the need for performant alternatives to conventional rocket fuels is urgent. "This test helps advance an important conversation in aerospace: how to pair next-gen propulsion with alternative fuels that don't compromise on performance," said Nick Cardwell, VP of Product and Advanced Concepts, Venus Aerospace. "CleanJoule's work on high-performance, low-emissions fuels contributes meaningfully to an evolving space and defense ecosystem, and we're pleased to see their product perform under real operational conditions." About CleanJoule CleanJoule Inc., headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is an advanced fuels company that enhances performance across commercial and defense aerospace. CleanJoule's breakthrough pathway produces the only full performance, 100 percent drop-in advanced fuel that can be used for commercial, military, and space applications. CleanJoule's focus is on distributed manufacturing of advanced aviation fuels using readily available domestic biomass feedstocks, further ensuring supply chain resilience. CleanJoule's manufacturing process has superior efficiency while increasing energy density and reducing carbon emissions, soot, and contrail formation. Backed by Indigo Partners, Cleanhill Partners, GenZero, Frontier Airlines, Wizz Airlines, and Volaris, CleanJoule is on a mission to create superior aerospace and defense fuels that enable domestic supply chain resiliency. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts Media Kate Gundrycleanjoule@ 617-797-5174 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Geek Wire
3 days ago
- Business
- Geek Wire
Portal Space Systems plans to put spacecraft manufacturing facility near Seattle-area hub
Portal CEO Jeff Thornburg says the company is expanding its footprint in Bothell, Wash. (Portal Space Systems Photo) Portal Space Systems says it's decided to set up its 50,000-square-foot spacecraft manufacturing facility just 3 miles away from its existing design and testing hub in Bothell, Wash. By the end of 2026, the factory should be ready to start producing Portal's Supernova space vehicles, which are being designed to use an innovative solar thermal propulsion system to maneuver payloads between orbital locations. 'With growing demand from both our commercial and defense partners, this new facility marks the next strategic step in Portal's evolution,' Portal CEO Jeff Thornburg said today, in a news release that was issued in conjunction with the Paris Air Show. 'By expanding our footprint in Bothell, we're doubling down on local talent, proximity to core operations, and a growing aerospace ecosystem supported by state leadership.' Today's announcement builds on other recent signs of Portal's progress, including the closing of a $17.5 million seed funding round and the announcement of an on-orbit demonstration mission that's due to ride aboard Momentus' Vigoride 7 orbital service vehicle in 2026. Portal said the newly announced facility will become the principal site for activities including manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing, research and development, and advanced engineering. The facility is expected to add more than 100 new jobs in the region over the next two to three years. By 2027, Portal plans to produce one Supernova per month. Supernova's sun-powered propulsion system is meant to provide the capability for rapid orbital adjustments. That capability is becoming increasingly important for a couple of reasons. One reason has to do with the need for more responsive space traffic management, due to the growing number of commercial satellites in low Earth orbit. The other has to do with the Pentagon's need to respond rapidly to potential space-based threats from rivals such as China and Russia. Last year, Portal won $45 million in financial support for Supernova's development through SpaceWERX's STRATFI program — a public-private initiative aimed at facilitating the delivery of strategic capabilities for the U.S. Space Force.
Reuters
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Reuters
ATR, Pratt & Whitney Canada to collaborate on turboprop propulsion technology
June 16 (Reuters) - ATR, the world's largest commercial turboprop aircraft maker, and Pratt & Whitney Canada will collaborate to develop propulsion technology aimed at reducing fuel burn and maintenance costs, the companies said on Monday. The companies will also look to study the feasibility of hybrid electric propulsion for ATR's next-generation concept of aircraft dubbed "EVO". Franco-Italian ATR, jointly owned by Airbus ( opens new tab and Leonardo ( opens new tab, is the dominant producer of regional turboprop planes, with a family of aircraft seating 42 to 78 people. Pratt & Whitney is U.S.-based RTX's (RTX.N), opens new tab engine-making subsidiary.
RNZ News
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- RNZ News
Aratere to resume sailing following electrical fault stand-down
The Aratere in Wellington in 2011 after it was lengthened. Photo: RNZ The Aratere will resume sailing Friday evening after an electrical fault took it out of service. The ferry experienced a propulsion fault and spent several hours at anchor in Queen Charlotte Sound on Wednesday night while a specialist electrician came to fix the problem. KiwiRail said the ferry left Picton at about 8.50pm, but then "experienced an unexpected issue with its propulsion drive" while sailing. That issue was fixed at about 1am and the vessel resumed its trip to Wellington and arrived early on Thursday. A KiwiRail spokesperson said the fault on Aratere was repaired on Friday afternoon, and the ship had completed a successful sea trial. The ferry is due to resume sailing at around 6pm. Sailings on Thursday were cancelled while the fault was fixed, and KiwiRail later cancelled sailings on Friday while it awaited technical support from the original equipment manufacturer in Auckland to diagnose the root cause of the problem. KiwiRail thanked customers and passengers for their patience as it worked to identify and rectify the fault. The Aratere is due to be retired in August. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Fox News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Underwater jetpack backpack lets you explore ocean depths
If you've ever dreamed of gliding underwater with the freedom of a dolphin, the CudaJet might be the gadget for you. Unlike most underwater propulsion systems that strap onto your arms or legs, the CudaJet is worn like a backpack, giving you a hands-free way to cruise beneath the surface. It's a fresh approach that feels a lot more natural and comfortable, especially for longer swims. The CudaJet's story started almost seven years ago. Back then, it was just a prototype called the Cuda, a passion project by British designer Archie O'Brien during his final year at Loughborough College of Art and Design, now known as Loughborough Design School. Archie wanted something lighter and faster than anything else out there, and in 2023 his vision became reality with the first commercial CudaJet. Now, the CudaJet has been redesigned with a longer battery life, lighter build and updated features, making it even more appealing to underwater adventure seekers. So, what's it like to use? The main unit is a dual-jet-drive pack that attaches to a padded neoprene harness, which you wear on your torso. You control everything with a hardwired, trigger-style remote that lets you adjust your speed and keep an eye on the battery level. One of the biggest improvements for 2025 is the battery. While the original model provided approximately 40 minutes of underwater fun for every 75-minute charge, the latest version extends that time to a full 90 minutes per charge. That's more than double the original runtime, so you can explore even more on a single outing. CudaJet can take you down to a maximum depth of 131 feet, and it delivers about 88 pounds of thrust. That translates to a top speed of roughly 10 feet per second, or about 6.7 mph. Now, that might not sound fast on land, but underwater it's a whole different story. The company likes to point out that at 10 feet per second, the drag force on your body is about the same as flying through air at nearly 200 mph. It's an exhilarating experience that feels powerful and smooth. The 2025 redesign also trimmed some weight from the original, reducing it from approximately 33 pounds to just over 30 pounds, including the harness. The harness itself comes in four sizes, so you can get a fit that feels just right. Safety is clearly a priority as well. Each CudaJet ships with a factory-set safety depth of about 10 feet, which you can adjust up to the full 131 feet if you're feeling adventurous. If you ever go past your set limit, the motor cuts out and floats you right back to the surface. The controller's full-color display keeps you updated on your speed, battery and depth at all times. CudaJet is aimed at the luxury market. Think superyacht owners and underwater adventure lovers who want something special. Each jetpack is made to order, handcrafted and painted in the U.K. The 2025 package starts at around $31,000, which is a jump from the original price, but it now includes a two-year warranty, a luxury hard case and a fast charger. For those who want something even more exclusive, there's a Founder's Edition with lifetime product access, in-water training with the founder and a lifetime warranty, but only 20 of those are being made. Since each CudaJet is made to order, buyers should expect a personalized experience. The process involves custom-fitting the harness to your size and selecting your preferred finish, all of which are handcrafted in the U.K. Due to this approach, there is typically a wait time before delivery, which varies depending on demand and the customization options. This ensures you receive a truly unique jetpack tailored just for you. It's pretty amazing to see how far CudaJet has come since it started as a student project. Now it's no longer just a clever idea; it's a real way to zip around underwater and see the ocean from a fresh perspective. With the longer battery life, lighter design and smart safety features, this jetpack is definitely for anyone looking to make their underwater adventures more exciting. If you love being in the water and want to try something truly different, and the price fits your budget, the CudaJet could be your next big thrill. Would you feel safe exploring deep waters with technology like the CudaJet, or does the idea of relying on a jetpack make you nervous? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
