BSV Podcast 0152: IENAI Space

Balerion Principal Aidan Daoussis sits down with Daniel Pérez Grande, CEO & Co-Founder of IENAI Space, to discuss small-satellite mobility. IENAI Space is developing modular electrospray thrusters for small spacecraft, alongside software for mission design and propulsion-system selection. Its integrated approach extends from preflight analysis through automated orbital maneuvering, with the goal of reducing propellant mass and simplifying satellite operations.Timestamped Overview00:00 – Introduction and IENAI Space’s end-to-end mobility model02:46 – Founder backgrounds and the propulsion gap for small satellites06:05 – Athena’s modular electrospray architecture07:41 – Athena Pico, Nano, and Micro product specifications11:29 – Electric propulsion compared with chemical propulsion15:20 – The satellite market’s shift toward larger spacecraft20:05 – Constellations, VLEO operations, and asteroid applications24:33 – High-power, nuclear-electric, and nuclear-thermal propulsion30:14 – Building a space company in Spain and European funding constraints33:24 – Company growth, test infrastructure, and orbital demonstrations37:29 – 360 mission-analysis software and propulsion trade studies43:00 – Orbital automation, digital twins, and autonomous maneuver planning46:13 – Mobility, collision avoidance, debris, and future regulation48:46 – Closing perspective on reliable, low-burden propulsion systems This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit balerionspace.substack.com