Rendering of the Helicity Fusion Drive. Credits: Helicity Space

Lockheed Martin Invests In Helicity Space to Advance Fusion Propulsion

Helicity Space Company ensures a new investment with Lockheed Martin Ventures for the deep space technology development, based on fusion propulsion

On April 2, 2024, in Pennsylvania, Cal., a huge agreement was signed on the investments that Lockheed Martin Ventures, the venture capital arm of Lockheed Martin, will place on the private company Helicity Space. This contract involves a large monetary investment in the commercial space company specializing in developing in-space propulsion and power technology based on fusion power.

In addition to financial support, Helicity Space will also have the opportunity to collaborate with Lockheed Martin’s researchers and engineers. Together, they will develop new technologies to explore our solar system.

“This investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures marks a pivotal moment for Helicity Space in our mission to revolutionize space transportation. It is a testament to the real progress we are making each day in the laboratory.”

— Dr. Setthivoine You, co-founder and chief scientist at Helicity Space

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Helicity Space

Helicity Space is a company that is dedicating its studies to the transformation of the space sector with the advancement of fusion propulsion. Their breakthrough innovation is represented by over two decades of collaborative research among leading scientists and engineers, who are focusing on the concept of exploiting plectonemic plasma jets. Indeed, pushing a spacecraft with short bursts of fusion can be achieved, also producing net electricity every second. Helicity Drive, shown in the following picture, creates short bursts of fusion conditions for propulsive plasma exhaust, that will provide acceleration with every pulse.

Rendering of the Helicity Fusion Drive. Credits: Helicity Space
Rendering of the Helicity Fusion Drive. Credits: Helicity Space

Nuclear fusion propulsion tech is critical for the future of space exploration and commerce. So investments are fundamental as they ensure the company establishes fast and sustainable applications.

Helicity company is also supported by a team of experts in various sectors. Among them are William Readdy, former NASA astronaut and NASA Associate Administrator of the Office of Space Flight, and Dr. Alan Stern, former head of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate and leader of NASA’s New Horizons mission.

“Helicity’s work could enable humanity’s extensive access to the entire solar system and might even enable missions to the nearest stars.”

— Gen. Pete Worden, PhD, Former Director of NASA Ames Research Center & Helicity Space Advisor

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Looking forward to Deep Space travels

The revolutionary technology that the Helicity Space team is building boasts an unprecedented development in fusion propulsion. The company’s unique fusion-based space propulsion and energy technology promises humanity’s gateway to fast space exploration. This breakthrough will expand the reach of human and robotic space missions, with a contribution to strengthening national security initiatives and facilitating global trade.

Helicity Drive explanation of pulsed magneto-inertial fusion. Credits: Helicity Space
Helicity Drive explanation of pulsed magneto-inertial fusion. Credits: Helicity Space

Powered by fusion engines, deep space transportation will be fast, agile, and efficient. Moreover. in terms of resources, they will pave the way for industries aimed at extracting interplanetary resources, clean energy solutions, planetary conservation, and safeguarding the future of human civilization.

Investors and collaborators of the Helicity Fusion Drive Project. Credits: Helicity Space
Investors and collaborators of the Fusion Drive Project. Credits: Helicity Space


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Beatrice Romeo

Beatrice Romeo

Master student in Aerospace Engineering.
Ocean activist and kitesurfing athlete.

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