Laptops, computers and phones – they are among the items that have shrunk in size over time as consumers demand items that are smaller, more portable and perhaps cheaper. 

But besides our daily consumer goods, did you know that even satellites are getting smaller too? 

Not only are satellites getting smaller, they also need to fly closer to the Earth to collect better quality data to power industries such as maritime, aviation and even banking. 

To do so, satellite companies now need smaller, low power and efficient, engines, and that’s exactly what our guest for today does.

Founded in 2018, Aliena is a spin-off from the Nanyang Technological University that creates propulsion engines to allow satellites to fly closer to the Earth. 

Question is – why do satellites need to fly closer to the Earth in the first place and to what extent has this got to do with the cost of satellite deployment?

Meanwhile, the firm’s propulsion engines hitched a ride on a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket last year. Its engines were deployed this year as well in a separate space mission. But what can we expect from the firm next?

On Under the Radar, Drive Time’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed the questions to Dr Mark Lim, Co-founder and CEO, Aliena.

Laptops, computers and phones – they are among the items that have shrunk in size over time as consumers demand items that are smaller, more portable and perhaps cheaper. 
But besides our daily consumer goods, did you know that even satellites are getting smaller too? 
Not only are satellites getting smaller, they also need to fly closer to the Earth to collect better quality data to power industries such as maritime, aviation and even banking. 
To do so, satellite companies now need smaller, low power and efficient, engines, and that’s exactly what our guest for today does.
Founded in 2018, Aliena is a spin-off from the Nanyang Technological University that creates propulsion engines to allow satellites to fly closer to the Earth. 
Question is – why do satellites need to fly closer to the Earth in the first place and to what extent has this got to do with the cost of satellite deployment?
Meanwhile, the firm’s propulsion engines hitched a ride on a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket last year. Its engines were deployed this year as well in a separate space mission. But what can we expect from the firm next?
On Under the Radar, Drive Time’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed the questions to Dr Mark Lim, Co-founder and CEO, Aliena.

From politics to pop culture, we've got it all. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of business, lifestyle, culture, travel, and sports.

From politics to pop culture, we've got it all. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of business, lifestyle, culture, travel, and sports.

The Evening Runway with Hongbin Jeong, Roshan Gidwani and Chua Tian Tian

The Evening Runway with Hongbin Jeong, Roshan Gidwani & Chua Tian Tian (4pm - 7pm)

Under the Radar: Smaller engines for smaller satellites – Aliena on the need for smaller propulsion engines in satellites; On customer base including Imperial College London; Its engines hitching a ride on SpaceX; the Very Low Earth Orbit being the next area of contest

Advertisement