An electrically powered device that converts electrical input into linear displacement. Each pulse produces a small, controllable shift. Over repeated pulses, these displacements accumulate into sustained motion. In space, where there is no friction, this accumulation translates directly to velocity gain — without carrying, storing, or consuming any propellant.
The AGM operates in two modes
Pulses fired: 0
Single pulse
Continuous pulse
Proof of concept
Allevio has a working prototype
Five test runs were conducted, each consisting of 50 electromagnetic pulses executed over approximately 3 minutes. All five produced a net displacement in the intended direction.
Test 1
18.2
mm displacement
Test 2
15.8
mm displacement
Test 3
34.0
mm displacement
Test 4
35.2
mm displacement
Test 5
24.7
mm displacement
Average across all runs
25.6mm
This proof of concept was hand-crafted at home using basic, accessible components selected to best demonstrate the functionality of a single AGM device. As a result, the build was not precision-engineered — assembly tolerances were approximate and component matching was limited. This accounts for the variation between test runs. Despite these constraints, the prototype demonstrates the expected behaviour of the AGM: repeatable, directional, cumulative displacement produced by repeated electromagnetic pulsing. The results are consistent with the theoretical framework and are highly promising.
The next development stage targets precision-manufactured components, matched specifications, and controlled test conditions — addressing the sources of run-to-run variation observed in the proof of concept.
Market applications
Where the AGM fits
Three near-term use cases where propellant dependency is the binding constraint.
In-space logistics
Companies like Momentus operate orbital transfer vehicles that carry multiple customer satellites and deliver them to different orbits in a single mission. As customer demands diversify — different altitudes, inclinations, timing windows — mission complexity compounds. Each delivery burns propellant, and the vehicle is retired once the supply is exhausted. The AGM replaces the propellant-based propulsion system. Because no fuel is consumed, the vehicle can serve more customers per mission without hitting a propellant ceiling. Refueling is eliminated, capacity increases, and the vehicle's operational life is no longer dictated by a finite resource.
Satellite station-keeping
Thousands of satellites in GEO and LEO depend on periodic thruster firings to maintain their orbital position. When propellant runs out, the satellite drifts and is decommissioned — becoming debris. The AGM replaces the station-keeping thrusters. Because it requires only electrical input from solar panels already onboard, it can maintain position indefinitely. This extends operational lifespan to the full hardware lifetime of the satellite, protects the revenue stream, and prevents the vehicle from becoming orbital debris.
Long-distance and cislunar missions
For missions beyond LEO — cislunar transfers, Lagrange point operations, deep-space cargo delivery — the propellant mass fraction problem becomes even more severe. Every kilogram of fuel for the return journey must be carried from launch, compounding mass. The AGM changes this equation. Because it runs on electricity generated from solar energy throughout the mission, it provides continuous low-thrust acceleration without consuming mass. This enables longer missions with lower launch mass, increases the probability of return, and opens mission profiles that are currently uneconomical under propellant-based architectures.
The team
Who is building this
A technical founder who builds the technology. A commercial founder who builds the business.
Ryan Makau
Technical Co-Founder
Designed and built the AGM from the ground up — through multiple iterations, concept revisions, and prototype builds — until arriving at the architecture that produced repeatable results. Third-year Mechatronics Engineering student with working knowledge across mechanical design, electrical systems, and software control. Self-taught foundation in the applied physics underpinning the AGM's operating principle. Owns the full technical stack: mechanism design, prototype development, test methodology, and development roadmap.
Paruldeep Dhillon
Commercial Co-Founder
Third-year Law and Business student with over two years of hands-on sales experience — bringing commercial instincts, relationship skills, and execution discipline to Allevio from day one. Responsible for investor relations, partnership outreach, and commercial positioning. Brings genuine legal literacy to the venture's strategic foundation: commercial structuring, IP strategy, and the regulatory landscape governing early-stage deep-tech. Leads the business side — building the investor case, market evidence, and commercial infrastructure that turns a breakthrough technology into a fundable company.
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