Show Notes
How can satellites avoid collisions and still keep enough propellant for other work? In Outer Orbit, host Dallas Campbell speaks with Thomas Clayson, co-founder and CTO of Magdrive, about electric propulsion designed for satellites operating in crowded low Earth orbit. Thomas explains how a spacecraft stores electrical power, then uses rapid pulses to vaporise small amounts of metal into plasma. The resulting thrust is intended to combine strong short manoeuvres with the efficiency of electric propulsion. The conversation covers collision avoidance, maintaining orbit, close-proximity operations, satellite inspection and repair, and the role of mobility in in-space servicing and manufacturing. Clayson also sets out why metal propellant could be sourced in future from lunar material, asteroids or recycled debris, while noting that refuelling in space is not yet available. Separately, The Register reported that Starlink observed roughly 164,000 conjunctions whose closest approach fell within four hours of an unannounced manoeuvre over six months. That figure, attributed to SpaceX, connects to the episode’s focus on responsive propulsion and safe coordination as more spacecraft share the same orbital shells.
(00:00) - Welcome to Outer Orbit
(01:11) - Why Satellites Need Propulsion
(02:49) - Close Approaches and Space Defence
(04:36) - Chemical and Electric Thrusters
(05:27) - Faster Manoeuvres in Low Earth Orbit
(06:14) - How MagDrive Produces Thrust
(07:13) - Metal as a Propellant
(08:14) - Refuelling from Space Resources
(09:38) - Thruster Size and Satellite Classes
(11:11) - Propulsion for In-Space Servicing
(12:01) - MagDrive’s In-Orbit Demonstrations
(12:40) - The UK’s Role in Space Manufacturing
Thomas Clayson: Thomas Clayson is co-founder and CTO of Magdrive, which is developing electric propulsion systems for spacecraft. A plasma physicist and pulsed-power engineer, he earned a PhD in plasma laboratory astrophysics at Imperial College London. His work has included using high-powered lasers and pulsed-power equipment to study plasma. On the episode, he explains Magdrive's solid metal propellant and how spacecraft mobility could enable new activity in orbit.In-Orbit is brought to you by the Satellite Applications Catapult. Subscribe and follow us on social media to stay in-orbit. Satellite Applications Catapult: LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Website
Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.
More from In-Orbit
What would it take for a UK space company to become a billion-dollar business? In this episode of In-Orbit, host Dallas Campbell brings together John Abbott, CEO of Satellite Applications Catapult, and Thomas Clayson, co-founder and CTO of Magdrive, to examine the commercial conditions behind UK space growth. John argues that companies need a clear customer, a market with room to grow, a route to that market and a product built around a real problem. Thomas explains why satellites need propulsion, how Magdrive's electric engine works and how solid metal propellant could support refuelling with resources found in space. They also discuss SpaceX as proof of a commercial market, investor confidence, government procurement and more joined-up support. Their debate on UK launch weighs assured access against price and geography, before turning to the work that happens after launch.
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