VXB Aerospace fires up breakthrough AI-designed satellite thruster

VXB Aerospace, an Australian space technology company, has shared the first images of a ground-breaking satellite propulsion system poised to revolutionise the space economy. This achievement marks the first time a company has successfully built an electric smallsat propulsion system in the ANZ region.

The thruster’s firing demonstrates the success of VXB’s unique design philosophy using AI-based algorithms throughout technology development, reducing development time by over 5x.

The Zephyr Hall thruster uses ultra-low-cost Argon fuel while maintaining high performance. The technology will jumpstart the rapid scaling of satellite operations in sub 400 km Earth orbits, unlocking a new frontier for improved image resolution and communication speeds. Zephyr will also give a spacecraft the agility to avoid space junk reliably, keeping the space ecosystem safe.

VXB Aerospace was founded in 2022 in a Sydney-based garage with a mission to unlock access to the space economy. The company built on the PhD research of VXB’s founder, Alexander Ryan, to create world-leading Evolutionary AI algorithms that bridge performance gaps in the global satellite market. VXB’s focus on sustainability and accessibility is embodied in the revolutionary Zephyr propulsion systems, designed to suit over 90% of satellites.

After securing over 2 million AUD in investment including two grants from the Australian Federal government, VXB has established a leading satellite propulsion manufacturing and testing facility at Cicada Innovations, in Sydney's historic locomotive workshops.

Zephyr outperforms existing systems by achieving a high thrust efficiency with Argon propellant (100x cheaper than alternative fuels), while cutting costs by up to 5x. The shift to Argon fuel is at the leading edge of a global push for sustainable, cost-effective space propulsion. The only organisation currently using Argon fuel in operations is SpaceX.

“We’re excited to unlock this critical space capability for smallsats in the ANZ region and set a new standard for AI-driven design of satellite hardware.”

Alexander Ryan
CEO & Founder