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.