Next Big Thing in Rocket Propulsion

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

This is the next big thing in rocket propulsion. An Israeli company is developing a gel-based propellant that will change the way rockets and satellites are being operated. According to NewRocket, conventional rocket engine technology in either solid or liquid form has many risks, including high toxicity, transportation challenges, and produces rockets that are difficult to control or extinguish.

NewRocket is developing proprietary gel technology enabling a stable and non-toxic engine propellant, without sacrificing performance and control.

According to the company, the “green propulsion” technology combines all the advantages of both liquid and solid propellants.

NewRocket Chairman Ran Bar Sella and the company’s CEO Eran Privman said that the new propellant is safe to use and transport. They added that the propellant will improve rocket performance, offering a powerful thrust that can be controlled and extinguished when needed. NewRocket’s gel propulsion technology is designed to meet the strictest industry regulations.

The company has successfully completed a proof of concept for the proprietary technology and identified key applications for the aviation, space and power generation markets.

The company’s executives said that existing satellite propulsion systems are currently too expensive or toxic, and often limit the Nanosatellites performance. These restrictions lead to a dramatic reduction in satellite lifespan and make operating large constellations prohibitively difficult, especially in very low earth orbits (VLEO).

NewRocket started the development in Incubit Ventures, the technological incubator of Elbit Systems,