The journey from a research lab to the fascinating world of space tech is never easy; it requires a blend of technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and an unwavering commitment to innovation.
My journey began in Romania with a childhood passion for space, ignited by my father’s early astronomy lessons. The sight of the Hale-Bopp comet fuelled my space dream, leading me to the world of plasma and electric propulsion systems.
After years of study and practical experience with Hall thrusters in Europe and Japan, I was drawn to Singapore to continue my studies. It was here that the seeds of Aliena were sown. I joined the Space Propulsion Centre, where I applied my expertise to build and establish space propulsion research and associated ecosystems. This experience solidified my belief in the potential of electric propulsion and spurred the development of Aliena’s signature technology.
The core of Aliena: Miniaturised propulsion systems
Aliena develops low-power engines that enable satellites to fly closer to Earth and many other mission scenarios. Our core technology is the miniaturised Hall effect thruster, a type of electric propulsion system. Unlike chemical propulsion, which uses combustion to generate thrust, electric propulsion uses electrical power to create a plasma from a gas, typically xenon. It uses a magnetic field to make a very dense plasma, extracting and accelerating ions using an electric field to generate thrust.
While Aliena’s engines produce small forces, they offer significantly higher fuel efficiency, up to 3x that of a chemical engine. Our team then worked for nearly five years on miniaturising the Hall thruster, which now can operate at just 100 watts, a tenth of the original power requirements. This miniaturisation is a game-changer for small satellites to perform more ambitious missions. This was demonstrated in January 2022 when our propulsion system was deployed on the smallest satellite to carry a Hall thruster, launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
In addition, our engines enable satellites to deorbit at the end of their lives, leaving behind a clean space for future generations. They also facilitate gathering higher-quality data from space, which can be used for everything from environmental monitoring and resource management to disaster response.
Lessons from joining the Lee Kuan Yew Global Bbusiness Plan Competition, a global startup competition
Our participation in the 11th edition of the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition (LKYGBPC) in 2023 — organised by Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SMU IIE) – was a great opportunity for Aliena to showcase its technology. We were one of the finalists in the competition, which played an important role in our growth. The competition provided a platform to gain significant exposure and access invaluable networking opportunities.
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In addition, we received the Haina Innovation Prize, which led to a trip to Zhejiang, China, connecting us with the deep-tech ecosystem there. This international engagement has given us access to more customers and potential partners.
The program also opened doors to further engagements and thought leadership opportunities. One notable experience was being invited to moderate a panel and showcase Aliena at a signature LKYGBPC event, organised in collaboration with Horizons Ventures and the Asia Philanthropy Association.
LKYGBPC highlighted the crucial role of such platforms in supporting deeptech startups. The space tech sector requires significant investment over long periods, and government policies and investors need a deep understanding of the space industry’s potential. The event helped bridge this gap, showcasing the commercial viability of our technology.
Singapore: A fertile ground for space tech
Singapore, with its dynamic talent pool and strong government support, has provided the ideal base for Aliena. The country’s strategic location facilitates market access across Asia, Europe, and the US. The support we received from various government agencies, like the Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) and Enterprise Singapore, has been critical in our journey.
Challenges and overcoming them
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. On a personal level, maintaining focus and pursuing one’s dreams amidst societal pressure can be difficult. As an entrepreneur, securing adequate funding, particularly in the early years of a deeptech startup, is a constant struggle.
Moreover, finding skilled talent for a niche technology like ours is equally challenging. While Singapore is known as an investment hub due to its access to foreign talent, more needs to be done to strengthen the investment pool for the space sector. Government support and lobbying play a critical role in stimulating capital investment.
Despite the challenges, Aliena has achieved several milestones since the LKYGBPC. The most significant was closing a US$5.6 million Series A investment. We have also commissioned a larger facility, Aliena’s Advanced Jet Propulsion Test and Production Facility, featuring a dedicated production line and a larger R&D space.
Our presence in major scientific and commercial exhibitions, including the Space Propulsion Conference, the International Electric Propulsion Conference and the Space Tech Expo Europe, has significantly raised our profile.
We also got featured in NASA’s State-of-the-Art Small Spacecraft Technology Report, validating our technical expertise and progress. We also received four best paper awards at the International Electric Propulsion Conference in Toulouse, France.
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The future of space tech is bright
The space industry is undergoing rapid growth and the space economy is forecast to hit US$1.8 trillion by 2035, up from US$630 billion in 2023 and growing at an average of nine per cent per annum.
Satellite technology is now integral to many aspects of our lives, from navigation and weather forecasting to communication.
However, significant challenges remain. Space debris is a growing concern, requiring stringent regulations for satellite deorbiting. The supply chain for space technologies is often fragmented and susceptible to geopolitical factors, leading to extended production times. And there is the potential militarisation of outer space.
To address this, we need strong governmental policies and oversight from commercial entities to ensure that space remains a peaceful frontier for generations to come. We are also working on in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) to use materials found on other celestial bodies, including water, to create fuel.
Pushing the boundaries
The space industry is at an inflexion point, with technological advancements accelerating at an unprecedented pace. As deeptech startups like Aliena push the boundaries of what’s possible, they also face significant challenges—from securing funding to navigating regulatory landscapes and talent shortages.
However, space tech can drive transformative change across industries with continued innovation, strategic collaborations, and strong governmental support.
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