Neumann Space

Neumann Space is an Australian electric propulsion company founded in Adelaide, South Australia, developing the Neumann Drive — a patented Centre-Triggered Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (CT-PCAT) that uses solid metal rods as propellant. The system converts conductive metals into plasma using solar-powered electric pulses, delivering controlled thrust as the plasma ejects. The non-toxic propellant can be made from any conductive solid metal including waste metal debris, enabling the concept of in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) propellant harvesting. The Neumann Drive underwent successful on-orbit demonstration aboard Australia's SpIRIT nanosatellite and ESA-linked missions in Europe, achieving first launch to multiple in-space firings. The company's latest model, the ND-50, is a flight-ready electric thruster with demonstrated on-orbit heritage. Neumann Space has received funding from the Australian Space Agency and is supported by CSIRO, positioning Australia as a contributor to the global small satellite propulsion market.