WORLDTECHArgo Space plans two 2027 flights of water-powered craft after July test
Argo Space, a California startup founded by three former SpaceX engineers, is planning two flights of a small water-powered spacecraft in 2027. The plans follow a July test flight that ended early.
How the July test came to an end
According to the account Ars Technica gave of the mission, the first test craft detached from its launch vehicle, transmitted telemetry and generated power before the flight was cut short.
Solar array fault drained the battery
Chief executive Robert Carlisle told Ars Technica that one of the two solar arrays intended for rollout failed to open. The craft stayed power-negative, using more energy than it produced, so its battery ran down before the team could test propulsion.
Software and avionics validated in flight
Carlisle said the team validated its flight software and core avionics. The propulsion system, however, was not tested before the battery ran out.
Funding, staffing and the 2027 schedule
Ars Technica reported that Argo has raised $20 million and employs fewer than 30 people. The company plans its two small water-powered flights for 2027. The reporting does not describe any revised design or the flight profile for those missions.
Open questions
- Will a revised design resolve the solar array problem before the 2027 flights?
- How will the propulsion system perform once the power issue is addressed?