[freebeard]

Via Hacker News: https://neumannspace.com/neumann-drive/

HOW DOES THE PHYSICS WORK?
THE NEUMANN DRIVE
Our propulsion system uses a cathodic arc discharge powered by a capacitor bank. We use high currents in very short sharp pulses at modest voltage to erode material from a solid conductive cathode. The plasma exhaust for each pulse is fully detached, and streams away from the spacecraft with exhaust velocities of tens of kilometres per second, giving the spacecraft its momentum.

This process does not require electrostatic grids, a virtual cathode, or other methods of extracting an ion beam since the plasma acceleration processes are sufficient to eject the plasma. Our system also does not require an exhaust neutraliser, as the electron-rich discharge volume allows the ion beam to self-neutralise.

One of the original uses of electrical power was for carbon arc lighting. Comes now a means of using metallic rods for propulsion.

This appears to be a shipping product.

Originally Posted by DDG

https://news.satnews.com › 2023 › 04 › 25 › aussies-neumann-space-to-deliver-propulsion-system-to-cislunar-industries-for-u-s-space-forces-circular-propulsion-ecosystem-project
Aussie's Neumann Space to deliver propulsion system to CisLunar ...
Apr 25, 2023The Neumann Drive's patented Centre-Triggered Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (CTPCAT) technology converts a solid conductive fuel rod into plasma and produces thrust. The system can use a range of conductive fuels giving unprecedented control over propulsion performance.

https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com › index.php?topic=42920.0
Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (Neumann Drive) - NASASpaceFlight.com
Dr. Paddy Neumann here in Adelaide has set up a company called Neumann Space to develop a new type of ion drive called Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (PCAT) or Neumann Drive. This...

https://indaily.com.au › news › business › 2023 › 06 › 14 › orbiting-neumann-thruster-empowers-local-space-startup
Orbiting Neumann thruster empowers local space startup
Jun 14, 2023The Neumann Drive uses their patented Centre-Triggered Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (CTPCAT) technology to convert a solid conductive fuel rod into plasma and produce thrust. Photo: supplied The launch is Neumann Space's first in-orbit demonstrator.*

*

Developed by Neumann Space, the drive was sent into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 7am Tuesday Adelaide time.

The Lot Fourteen-based company is now waiting for the satellite to establish a telemetry link with the ground to then begin testing the drive, which is a rod that can use metals found in space to propel spacecraft. The drive sent to space this week will test molybdenum as a propellant under “real world” conditions.



Molybdenum was chosen as the optimal metal for Neumann Space’s pulsed cathodic arc thruster technology. But laboratory tests have shown most metals – including the scrap steels and aluminum currently in orbit – have the potential to be refined as future fuel rods.