High impulse of electric propulsion combined with high thrust-to-power ratio.
Hall effect thruster technology
From the beginning, we innovated to deliver mobility solutions for an evolving space sector, miniaturizing Hall Effect Thruster technology to bring the value of high thrust propulsion to the smallsat market.
We continue to redesign and adapt our systems to meet the needs of clients who want larger and longer maneuvering capabilities and utilize diverse propellants to make propulsion more sustainable and efficient.
How it works
A Hall Effect Thruster (HET) is an ion thruster in which electrons emitted by a cathode are trapped in a magnetic field and used to ionize a propellant – thereby creating a plasma into the discharge channel. The plasma is then accelerated to produce thrust, thanks to an electric field created between the anode and the cathode.
Hall Effect thrusters have been used for decades and equip most large satellites. It combines the high impulse of electric propulsion technology along with a very high thrust-to-power ratio.
Due to unique innovations on the anode, cathode, fluidic systems and electronics, we managed to miniaturize the technology to fit it in small satellites.
Our Hall-effect thruster offers a powerful balance of high thrust and efficiency
our modules
Thruster Control Unit
The Thruster Control Unit is the brain of the system commanding and controlling the three other modules. It houses most of the electronics and is the main interface between the propulsion system and the rest of the satellite. Once it receives the command to fire, the Thruster Control Unit begins the process of ignition providing the required voltages and currents to the Thruster Head, and send the required information to the Propellant Management System and Tank to start the propellant flow.
Propellant Management System
The Propellant Management System is the low-pressure fluidic module dedicated to distributing the propellant to the thruster anode & cathode. It precisely controls the flow and pressure allowing for accurate thrust modulation across various mission requirements and propellant types.
Propellant Tank
The Tank assembly stores the propellant and performs high-to-low pressure regulation. The size and format of the tank depends on your mission. The modular design of our system means the tank can be adapted to meet your mobility need, ranging from a few mililiters to tens of liters. Our tank family is based on COTS module DOT certified for US transportation.
The Thruster Head is the core of our propulsion system, where the ionization and acceleration of propellant occur. It is the part of the thruster you envision when you imagine a satellite thruster.
Anode
The Anode generates the thrust by accelerating and ionizing the propellant.
Cathode
The Cathode creates the electrons to create & maintain the plasma, and to neutralize the plume.
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