Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'This Is Strategy: Make Better Plans'
The Chemical Connection: Reducing Defects in Circuit Board Production
It’s Only Common Sense: Trust Is All You Need
Lightweight Engine Launched into Space
January 24, 2022 | Nanyang Technological UniversityEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Aliena, a tech spin-off from NTU Singapore, has deployed into space a nanosatellite fitted with a fuel-efficient engine it has developed. The nanosatellite was sent from the SpaceX Falcon 9’s Transporter-3 mission which launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, US.
The satellite’s engine, a Hall effect thruster, a type of ion thruster in which ions from the propellant are accelerated by an electric field, was invented and developed by Aliena. Compared to current satellite engines of its type, the new engine consumes just a fraction of power for its operation.
Aliena was founded in 2018, after founders Dr Lim and Mr Potrivitu met while working on their PhDs at the Space Propulsion Centre in NTU. The company received a grant by NTU’s innovation and enterprise company NTUitive in 2019, and the technology was test-bedded in the NTU Satellite Research Centre (SaRC).
Aliena first demonstrated the principles behind the engine’s modes of operation at SaRC. The team was provided access to SaRC’s facilities for the assembly of its prototype, and it was also where the engine first demonstrated a successful test launch, a milestone that the Aliena team said helped pave the way for Aliena to close its first oversubscribed funding round.
Spinning-off from NTU, Aliena was also supported by NTUitive through their flagship Strategic Research Innovation Fund (SRIF) that provided capital for the initial research and development required to advance the engine from its prototype.
Share on:
Suggested Items
IDC Increases its PC and Tablet Forecasts Despite Tariff Uncertainty
06/02/2025 | IDCAfter recording strong results in the first quarter of 2025, IDC is increasing its traditional PC forecast for 2025 — this comes despite the significant impact that US tariffs have had on its trading partners’ market sentiment.
IonQ Signs MoU with KISTI to Accelerate South Korea’s Role in the Global Quantum Race
06/02/2025 | IonQIonQ, a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), a leading national science and technology research institute and supercomputing center.
Stephen Winchell Appointed DARPA Director
06/02/2025 | DARPAStephen Winchell was sworn in today as the 24th director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
Hon Hai Research Institute Partners with Taiwan Academic Research Institute and KAUST to Participate in CLEO 2025
05/30/2025 | FoxconnThe research team of the Semiconductor Division of Hon Hai Research Institute, together with the research teams of National Taiwan University and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, has successfully made breakthroughs in multi-wavelength μ -LED technology to achieve high-speed visible light communication and optical interconnection between chips.
UNIST, SK On Strengthen Collaboration to Cultivate Battery Talent and Enhance R&D Capabilities
05/28/2025 | UNISTUNIST announced its plans to deepen collaboration with SK On to foster talent in the battery industry. This strategic partnership aims to attract outstanding researchers, broaden the foundation of research and development, and secure future competitive advantages.