Neumann Space says it has completed on-orbit commissioning of its Neumann Drive ND-50 electric propulsion system aboard Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd’s (SSTL) CarbSAR In Orbit Demonstration Mission.
The CarbSAR mission launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base on 11th January 2026, according to the company.
Neumann Space said the commissioning confirms in-orbit performance, reliability and operational readiness of the ND-50. The company described the outcome as the final demonstration flight for the ND-50, concluding a series of validation missions and moving the system into commercial production for operational deployment.
Neumann Space said it has also begun scaling delivery of its propulsion systems. The company said multiple commercial ND-25 units, a lower-power variant of the ND-50, were recently launched aboard SpaceX Transporter-16, with additional systems planned to fly later this year for customers including defence and dual-use programs.
SSTL’s CarbSAR mission is part of the company’s work on next-generation synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities, with potential implications for defence intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) strategies, according to the release. Funding for the mission was cited as coming from Oxford Space Systems, SSTL, Airbus Defence and Space, UKDI-DASA, Dstl and the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF), alongside longer-term support from the UK Space Agency and the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).
The announcement comes amid increasing focus by defence and national security agencies on manoeuvrable and resilient satellite platforms, where propulsion is a key enabler for space domain awareness, ISR and mission assurance in contested and congested orbital environments.
Hervé Astier, CEO of Neumann Space, said: “The successful commissioning of the ND-50 on CarbSAR validates our solid-state technology in an operational environment and marks the completion of our demonstration phase. We are now focused on scaling production to support allied defence and commercial customers who require reliable, responsive propulsion solutions in volume and with a short lead time. This milestone reflects the growing importance of sovereign space capabilities across the U.S., U.K., and Australia, and we are proud to contribute to that ecosystem. We are proud to have achieved it with SSTL, a globally respected leader in satellite systems.”
Clive Oates, Head of Australia for SSTL, said: “The successful operation of the Neumann Drive on CarbSAR demonstrates the value of bringing innovative technologies into orbit and underscores the strength of the growing cooperation between the UK and Australia in space. For SSTL, this mission also reflects our commitment to engaging with Australia’s industrial base and supporting the capability being developed across its space sector. We welcome this achievement from Neumann Space and look forward to continued collaboration on future missions.”
Enrico Palermo, Head of the Australian Space Agency, said: “The Australian Space Agency is pleased to see the Neumann Drive system continue to evolve, attracting international attention and powering more space missions. From enabling the qualification of the original thruster through our almost $7 million investment in the SpIRIT satellite mission, to investing in Neumann’s in-house Australian production facilities, we are proud supporters of the Neumann Drive. Congratulations to the Neumann Space team on this latest success”.
