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Argo Space develops water-fuelled spacecraft despite failed solar array deployment
Argo Space, founded by three former SpaceX engineers, is developing spacecraft that use water as propellant, with the long-term aim of creating a transport network between Earth orbits and the Moon. Water could also serve as coolant and radiation shielding, and the company hopes future access to water in space could reduce dependence on supplies launched from Earth.
Its first demonstration spacecraft, Navigator, launched in July but a solar array failed to deploy, leaving it without enough power to test its propulsion system. Argo plans two roughly 200 kg Chiron missions in 2027 for an undisclosed national security customer, targeting low-Earth orbit and geostationary transfer orbit. The company says Chiron could achieve more than 2 km/s of delta-v; its flights will use launch vehicles other than Falcon 9 because a suitable ride was not available on the required schedule.
In short
- Argo is building spacecraft propelled by water.
- A solar-array failure prevented its first craft from testing propulsion.
- Two Chiron missions are planned for 2027.
Explained simply
Spacecraft need propellant to change speed and direction in orbit. Argo Space, founded by three former SpaceX engineers, is developing engines that use water as propellant, with a long-term goal of moving cargo between Earth orbits and the Moon. Water could also help cool a spacecraft and shield it from radiation.
Argo’s first test craft, Navigator, could not test its propulsion after a solar array failed to open and left it short of power. The company plans to follow with Chiron spacecraft for an unnamed national security customer. Its plans reflect wider interest in finding ways to make spacecraft more useful while relying less on supplies launched from Earth.
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Originally published by Ars Technica as “This space company is betting its future on a propellant available everywhere”.