Measuring the amount of remaining fuel in a car is easy. Doing the same on a satellite in orbit, however, is more complicated. Since 2007, NanoSpace has developed a concept for this purpose. European Space Agency (ESA) now invests 2 million EUR in the continued development of the system, a project which will be managed by NanoSpace and involve partners in Germany, Norway and France.

The propellant of a telecommunication satellite in orbit is normally enough for 15 years' operation. When it runs out of propellant, the satellite is replaced.

With the uncertainty in presently used gauging systems, a six months' margin is typically needed when taking a satellite out of operation. With a more precise gauging system, the operational time could be extended.

"A working satellite in orbit could be worth a 100,000 EUR a day. A system that contributes to more reliable planning and extended satellite lifetime would be very valuable for satellite owners", says Tor-Arne Gronland, CEO of NanoSpace.

"One difficulty is the weightlessness, which causes the liquid propellant to virtually fly around in the tank", says Pelle Rangsten, head of engineering and project manager at NanoSpace. "As in all space business, the requirements for accuracy and reliability are also extremely high."

NanoSpace already has a patent for the propellant gauging system, one important aspect on which ESA based its decision. NanoSpace also has a leading position in Europe in its field, micro-electro-mechanical systems for space applications.

Among other projects, NanoSpace has delivered advanced rocket thrusters to the Swedish Prisma satellites, scheduled to be launched in April 2010.