High Efficiency 6kW Dual Mode Electric Propulsion Engine for Broad Mission Applications (6kW EP)

Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)

Description

This project will expand SSL's electric propulsion capabilities by developing a selectable "dual mode" power processing unit (PPU) capable of providing 300 or 600 volts to a 6 kilowatt Hall thruster, increasing overall mission efficiency and flexibility. This provides faster, more efficient, propulsive capabilities for future NASA missions.

Benefits

Both NASA and Maxar benefit from this tipping point. Maxar's benefits include being able to take advantage of a thrust mode (get to orbit as possible) and a high specific impulse mode (be as fuel efficient as possible)while on oribt. NASA's benefits include more capability to perform high delta V, low thrust missions, launch vehicle savings, and mission extenstion at lower costs.

Details

Technology area	Propulsion Systems > Electric Space Propulsion > Electrostatic Propulsion
Program	Technology Demonstration Missions (TDM)
Lead organization	Space Systems/Loral, LLC, San Jose, CA
Start date	2019-09-01
End date	2021-04-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Taylor Kerl

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.