Cost Performance Improvement

• The EmDrive makes possible a big improvement in the cost performance of the Next Generation of Satellites.
• The EmDrive offers a more elegant solution to satellite propulsion than any other form that exists today.
• Satellites are not burdened with heavy propellant subsystems. The satellite platform configuration can dispense with the tanks, pipes and valves and the propellant itself.
• Launch site and programme costs are reduced as propellant procurement and handling costs are eliminated.

LEO to GEO Security and more effective Mission Control

• Satellites launched into LEO can then be positioned into their allocated orbit using the existing solar array generated electrical power in 30 days.
• The satellite is more maneuverable and errors in positioning can be corrected from Mission Control without damage or loss to the satellite.
• Launch mass savings of 60% plus can be made per satellite launch.
• Overall cost savings in fuel, orbit management and satellite design can save up to 70% of the total mission cost.
• At least two satellites can be launched using the same launch vehicle.
• Further satellite redesign can take advantage of the reduction in hardware required, which could enable three satellites of similar mission to replace the one satellite using conventional thruster combinations.

Longer Satellite Lifetime

• The specified operating life of the most critical component, the microwave source cathode is 15 years.
• Standard space industry cathode technology can be employed.
• Test cathodes have given an accelerated lifetime of up to 30 years.
• With the increased deployment of space stations, a satellite can be moved from its orbit to a space station for both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.
• The simpler satellite platform layout will enable maintenance as well as upgrades to the payload to be made more quickly and efficiently.
• A typical satellite using such maintenance procedures could have an effective lifetime of as much as 30 to 45 years.

Flexible repositioning of Orbits

• An almost unlimited energy source from the solar panels, via the onboard batteries, offers unlimited orbit adjustment.
• Orbit adjustment can be made at any time and can be made on a continuous basis as required.

Payloads and Missions can be Enhanced

• Existing launchers can be used to launch larger satellites into Geostationary orbit.
• Satellites of 20 tonnes per launch will not be uncommon.
• Deep space probes can be made to go deeper into the outer reaches of space.
• Scientific Missions can stay in operation longer and can be manipulated to view ad hoc situations without fear of loss of fuel for the thruster.

The Commercial and Social Benefits of Lower Satellite Costs

• Lower satellite launch and operational costs can be used to reduce transponder prices to satellite service providers typically by 50-70%.
1. Increased use of satellites for two way broadband communications for data, image and phone will open up new markets.
2. New markets and lower costs will provide more competition amongst SSPs and increase technology investment in new applications.
3. Technological innovation, which to date has been slower in space related endeavours will now be accelerated.   
4. This will lead to new markets for satellite data transmission.
5. It will provide a more universal coverage of information for all countries and regions on this planet.
• Lower all-round costs and longer effective satellite lifetimes will ease budgetary pressures on governments in the race in space.
• In the emerging countries new social services can be opened up on a wider scale than are currently available.
1. Broadband multimedia can be used for education, health awareness, field hospitals and instruction on the maintenance of consumer goods.
2. It will enable schools and communities in different countries to talk to each other and share their cultures and ideas.
3. Wildlife can be monitored more cost effectively on a wider scale.
4. Weather monitoring and mineral prospecting, to name two examples can be employed more cost effectively and on a more timely basis.
5. Global emergency planning in the event of natural disasters can have a wider more cost effective coverage.