The UK Space Agency has committed a £1m grant towards a project developing solutions to refuel satellites from space tech companies Magdrive and Orbit Fab.

The firms signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the technology in the hopes of making space technology more sustainable and ambitious.

The agreement centres around Magdrive’s SuperMagdrive thruster, a solid metal propulsion system that can be refuelled using metal found in space.

The companies hope the use of in-space metal to refuel crafts will make space travel more sustainable and economical.

“This MoU with Orbit Fab is an important step towards our vision of powering more sustainable space transport,” said Magdrive CEO Mark Stokes.

“By combining our expertise in propulsion systems with their innovations in refuelling infrastructure, we’re laying the groundwork for more ambitious, efficient space missions.”

The grant funding from the UK Space Agency is part of the organisation’s National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP).

Oxfordshire-based Magdrive develops spacecraft propulsion technology, while American group Orbit Fab specialises in in-space refuelling services.

Stokes added: “With the development of the SuperMagdrive and the ability to refuel using metal propellants sourced in space, we’re moving closer to making deep-space missions not only possible but sustainable.

“This is just the beginning, and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact our can make on the space industry in the future.”

The agreement was announced at the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan.

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