AmmoniX: Low-Cost SmallSat End-of-Life Management Deorbiting Stage

nou Systems Inc. (nSI), has developed a revolutionary new modular propulsion concept for SmallSats with exceptionally low SWaP-C and uncompromising performance. These developments represent a pivotal advancement in space propulsion technology and will revolutionize SmallSat end-of-life management. Our system is a compact, lightweight, and modular, propulsion system that is readily integrated with most SmallSat architectures. When a SmallSat reaches its end of life, it activates to provide rapid and reliable deorbiting. Our system is useable at far higher orbits than passive deorbiting technologies (such as drag sails) and its architecture stands out for unparalleled simplicity, high ISP, sustainability, ease of storage and handling, low cost, and operational efficiency. With a significant portion of SmallSats lacking dedicated propulsion capabilities, our technology fills a critical gap, offering a simple, low-cost, and low-SWaP solution for meeting end-of-life disposal policies without contributing to additional space debris, all while using a low-cost green propellant. Phase I will include trade studies, analysis, and laboratory testing. Phase II will proceed with prototype assembly and testing at prototypical conditions laying the foundation for an airborne prototype unit to be demonstrated in Phase III.

The proposed low SWaP-C deorbiting thruster has enormous potential for reducing the cost and increasing the simplicity and reliability of future spacecraft deorbiting thrusters. The initial target for our technology is CubeSats (which may not possess a dedicated propulsion stage). However, our technology is readily integrable with numerous existing and future envisioned SmallSat designs. Our propulsion technology is more cost effective and has higher performance than existing state-of-the-art monopropellant or hypergolic propulsion technologies. Our solution offers unprecedentedly low SWaP-C and high ISP compared to any existing competing propulsion technology. Key applications for market insertion include communication SmallSats such as Starlink and OneWeb.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — 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.