Aquila - Chemical-Electric Hybrid Transfer Stage

Benchmark Space Systems (BSS) is a leader in space mobility and logistics and has identified a low-cost, ESPA-Grande class compatible solution for delivery of payloads and spacecraft to high energy orbits. BSS proposes to develop a critical design of ‘Aquila’, a hybrid (chemical + electric propulsion) transfer stage that can deliver >50 kg of payload to LLO starting from a 200 km x 200 km circular LEO orbit. Aquila combines BSS’ flight proven high-test peroxide (HTP) bipropellant chemical propulsion system, SmartAIM GNC technology, control electronics, and a partner supplied metal-based hall effect propulsion system. This architecture is scalable to trade off chemical propellant for electric propellant potentially allowing for an increase in payload mass and volume depending on the target mission. Most Aquila subsystems are TRL 6-9 or are COTS, providing a straightforward path to the development of a critical design, system architecture, and qualification plan to support mission infusion during the 2026/2027 timeframe. The goal of this project is to create a universally compatible system for various spacecrafts and launch vehicles. Benchmark’s expertise in multi-technology propulsion solutions is crucial for efficient and effective orbit transfers. Listed below are the key subsystems contained within Aquila.

Key civil organizations within NASA that would benefit from use of Aquila include the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD), Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD), Science Mission Directorate (SMD), and the Space Operations Mission Directorate (SOMD). ESDMD manages systems development for programs critical to NASA’s Artemis program and planning for NASA’s Moon to Mars exploration approach. SMD is focused on discovery and analysis of novel scientific breakthroughs including exploration of our solar system. STMD has the charter to support new development and demonstration activities of next generation technologies/payloads. SOMD seeks to maintain a continuous human presence in space for the benefit of people on Earth. The programs within the directorates are the heart of NASA’s space exploration efforts, enabling Artemis, Moon to Mars technologies, commercial space, science, and other agency missions through communication, launch services, research capabilities, and crew support. Through these organizations, there is clear support from NASA for accessing unique orbits. It is also evidenced in the 2023 draft strategy for long-term robotic exploration of Mars called “Exploring Mars Together,” which calls for “frequent access to Mars, sending one, two or more things every opportunity,”. Steve Matousek, of the JPL Mars Exploration Program, summarized that since NASA budgets aren’t likely to increase, achieving Mars Exploration will require a substantially lower cost of mission to maintain a launch cadence every 2 years. Aquila can solve this challenge through a cost-effective, scalable, dedicated transfer stage as a means of logistics. Jack Woolley, NASA JPL, added at Small Sat conference in Utah, “We’re asking companies to make hopefully small modifications to current products that will enable them to take it to Mars” which also aligns with the Benchmark’s commercialization plan for Aquila. Commercial Sector BSS’ mission experience with LEO/GEO transfers, and lunar orbits, has resulted in a mission partner network of space operators and mission primes who are looking for help with logistics to unique orbits. BSS has previously collaborated with a partner to develop a transfer stage concept aligned with their CAPSTONE mission profile and has several engagements for GEO transfers ongoing. The fact that BSS hit a major mission milestone with Spaceflight’s Sherpa OTV has led to an increase in inbound interest in BSS’ orbit transfer capability and solutions. Engaged customers of interest include primes and tier 2 customers. Defense Sector Aquila is a relevant solution to the defense sector. Tactical, rapid space logistics have been requested by our customers and referenced in recent Assured Access To Space (AATS) and Space Development Agency (SDA) solicitations. There are several programs and mission profiles that require improved and agile asset delivery to MEO, GEO, and Lunar domains that Aquila would extend US capability for. Aquila can help maintain superiority by accessing a variety of orbital regimes on demand with the flexibility and production rate to obfuscate and deny intelligence for potential adversaries.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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