High Impulse Propulsion System Enabling Low-Cost Multitarget On-Orbit Servicing

OSAM activities lay the foundations for sustainable space exploration and serve as a multiplier for other capabilities like space logistics, vehicle reusability, and ex-GEO expansion. Of the numerous technologies underlying OSAM capabilities, propulsion is identified as 1 of 3 technologies important for all related activities (the other 2 are GNC and automation). By building upon propulsion technology successfully tested at NASA Glenn and NASA JPL, Turion Space Corp. is looking to improve the state-of-the-art propulsion system performance, sustainability, cost, and scale to deliver the space mobility advancements needed to shift the traditional space operations paradigm. Specific benefits of the proposed solution when compared to baseline technologies include greater ΔV capabilities, higher power conversion efficiency, prolonged operations, lower mission costs, and larger unit availability. In the near-term, this solution allows operators to perform increased orbit modification maneuvers at lower costs, operate on a flexible schedule, and become leaders in environmental stewardship. To accomplish this, Turion Space Corp is partnering with the University of Washington Space Propulsion and Advanced Concepts Engineering Laboratory (UW-SPACE) to conduct feasibility and performance research for the United States Space Force to address their mission needs. Follow-on work will include design extension, product prototype, and performance demonstrations.