As the year comes to a close, we reflect on an incredibly successful 2024 for NewOrbit. We’ve made significant strides in advancing our air-breathing satellite technology, bringing us closer to launch readiness. Alongside these technological breakthroughs, we've also seen impressive organizational growth, expanding our team and doubling our facility space. Additionally, we achieved our first commercial contract, marking an exciting step forward. Here are 12 key highlights from the year: In 2024, we welcomed 16 new hires, building a team with deep expertise in satellite systems and space exploration. We now boasts a combined experience of over 60 satellites, Moon landers, and Mars rovers. In February, we completed a 24-hour operational lifetime test on our previous ion engine's integrated system, electronics, and cathode. In March, we secured our first commercial contract with the European Space Agency, tasked with delivering a new generation air-breathing cathode and thruster. In April, we made significant advancements with our cathode. It now operates on nitrogen and oxygen found at 200 km altitude, resolving ionization and plasma stability issues. Power consumption was reduced by 40%, improving the thrust-to-drag ratio, while mass was cut by 70%. In May, we designed a new generation of air intake, reducing mass and length while increasing particle collection efficiency by 50%. In June, we presented our first scientific paper at the International Electric Propulsion Conference, showcasing a specific impulse of 6380 seconds for our air-breathing system and full drag compensation for altitudes below 200 km. In July, we achieved remote satellite control, enabling us to operate our satellite from our laptops. In August, we doubled our facilities, expanding our office, adding a vacuum chamber, and building a new ISO-7 clean room for our satellite assembly. In September, we launched a redesigned website to reflect our growth and evolution as a company. In October, we designed the first pre-flight generation of our propulsion system’s cathode, bringing us closer to an in-orbit demonstration. In November, we conducted spark plug experiments, establishing key ignition parameters for our cathode and thruster in space. In December, we completed performance characterization of our thruster and cathode, confirming stable operation in pure gas environments, essential for ABEP in ultra-low Earth orbit. NewOrbit wishes everyone a joyful holiday season. We look forward to building on this success in the new year!
