Inovor picks Neumann electric thrusters for Hyperion constellation

(SpaceEnergy) Australian satellite maker Inovor Technologies has selected Neumann Space electric propulsion for its planned Hyperion space domain awareness constellation, with the first spacecraft targeted for launch in late 2027.

The Adelaide, South Australia-based company said Hyperion will use its 16U satellite platform and carry the Neumann Drive to provide in-orbit manoeuvring capability. The propulsion system is intended to support orbit optimisation, constellation management, changing mission requirements and end-of-life operations.

Neumann Space’s electric propulsion system uses solid metal propellant and has previously flown aboard Inovor’s 6U platform on the Space Industry Responsive Intelligent Thermal (SpIRIT) nanosatellite. Inovor said that mission successfully demonstrated in-orbit firings of the Neumann Drive.

The new selection moves the companies’ earlier collaboration towards an operational constellation. Inovor and Neumann Space announced in 2024 that they intended to integrate Neumann propulsion across a wider range of Inovor spacecraft platforms.

Hyperion is being developed to detect, identify and characterise objects in orbit using an optical telescope, imaging sensor, onboard artificial intelligence and autonomous spacecraft systems. Subsequent spacecraft are planned as Inovor expands the constellation.