Breakthrough technology enables rockets to use any metal as fuel

New technology opens a new chapter in space exploration, as rockets no longer need to return to Earth to refuel .

When it comes to space exploration, fuel remains one of the main obstacles, preventing rocket stages from going further with limited energy.

However, a recently published study could be a game-changer, allowing rockets to be launched further, and thereby expanding our reach into space.

Breakthrough technology enables rockets to use any metal as fuel (Photo: University of Southampton).

To do this, astronomical engineers at the University of Southampton are testing a new rocket system that could power interstellar spacecraft using any type of metal as fuel.

This means spacecraft could now fly indefinitely by refueling with minerals collected from distant asteroids or moons, they say.

"Spaceships have limited fuel capacity, due to the enormous cost and energy required to launch them into space ," said Dr. Minkwan Kim, project scientist.

"However, the new propulsion engine is capable of operating on any metal that can burn, such as iron, aluminum or copper."

Accordingly, after installation, the spacecraft could land on a comet or the Moon, which is rich in minerals, and collect what is needed before continuing its journey with a fully loaded fuel tank.

This technology, called Super Magdrive, has such great potential that the British government recently funded £1 million to make the idea a reality.

Dr Kim, who designed the plasma thruster for the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched last year, said he hopes the technology could be used for future deep space missions.

' This system could help us discover new planets , search for new life and go to places we've never known before ,' said Dr. Kim. ' It's a never-ending journey of discovery.'

It is known that after being lifted out of the Earth's atmosphere, the spacecraft is mainly propelled by rare gas fuels such as xenon or krypton. This is also the fuel that powers the Starlink satellites.

When this energy source is exhausted, the spacecraft is forced to return to Earth to begin the reuse process. This will cost a lot of money, mainly from the process of landing and launching the rocket again from Earth.