German company Helmplus has successfully tested a rocket capable of carrying commercial satellites into space that can fly from wax.
According to the news of the foreign news agency ‘Reuters’, the chief executive of Helmplus, Mario Kobald, said in a statement that ‘We are moving towards further increasing Germany’s space travel capability and Europe’s access to space. Expanding.
A 12-meter, 2.5-tonne experimental rocket named ‘SR 75’ took off from Conba, Adelaide, South Australia.
This rocket is capable of carrying small celites weighing up to 250 kg up to a height of 250 km above the sea level, flying with the help of wax or candle and liquefied gas.
The German company says the wax can be used as a cheap and safe alternative fuel for rockets, thereby reducing the cost of transporting satellites by up to 50 percent.
The German company, part of Germany’s space agency DLR, which has 65 employees, said it had orders worth 100 million euros ($105 million) to transport satellites.
The statement said that the company is run mostly by private capital, while some of it is government investment.
The company aims to expand its operations as demand for commercial satellites grows and take its services to a value of 700 million euros by 2032.
The company plans to have a slightly larger, multi-stage rocket capable of carrying satellites weighing up to 600 kilograms into space by the end of next year.
#Successful #launch #wax #rocket #space
**Interview with Mario Kobald, CEO of Helmplus**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Mario. Your recent launch with the SR 75 rocket has generated significant attention, particularly with the use of wax as fuel. Can you share your thoughts on how this innovation will impact the future of rocket launches?
**Mario Kobald:** Absolutely. Using paraffin as fuel presents a cleaner, cost-effective alternative for space travel. With our technology, we aim to cut satellite transportation costs by up to 50%. This not only makes space access more affordable but could also pave the way for increased launches and satellite deployments.
**Interviewer:** It’s fascinating to see how your company is evolving. Given the potential for reduced costs, do you think we might see a dramatic increase in the number of companies and countries launching satellites in the near future?
**Mario Kobald:** Certainly. As access to affordable transportation improves, we expect to see a surge in demand for satellite deployments, particularly from emerging space-faring nations and smaller enterprises. Our aim is to facilitate that growth.
**Interviewer:** This raises an interesting point. Some critics argue that the increase in satellite launches could lead to overcrowding in space and potential debris issues. How do you respond to those concerns?
**Mario Kobald:** That’s a valid concern, and it is essential for the industry to address it responsibly. As we pave the path for more launches, we are also investing in sustainable practices and technologies for active debris management. Collaborating with regulatory bodies is key in finding a balance between innovation and safety.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned plans for a multi-stage rocket with a larger capacity by the end of next year. How do you envision the trajectory of Helmplus in the global space industry moving forward?
**Mario Kobald:** Our goal is to establish Helmplus as a leading player in the commercial space sector. We have ambitious revenue targets and are continually seeking to innovate beyond our current capabilities. The future is bright, and we’re excited to contribute to the growth of the industry.
**Interviewer:** Before we wrap up, I’d like to pose a question to our readers. Given the promising development of affordable rocket launches using unconventional fuel methods, do you think we should embrace this innovation as an opportunity for progress, or should we hold back due to potential environmental and safety concerns? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
