In-Space Propulsion for Multi-layered Space Defense

America’s satellite assets are becoming antiquated in their payload technology, as well as increased vulnerability from ballistic and hypersonic weapons.  SMC 2.0 has recognized this threat and is revamping the national space strategy to be a multi-layered architecture that will be based upon several small satellite constellations.  A core pillar of this strategy is to defend the satellite assets that provide critical communications and intelligence data by transitioning the concept of operation from using a small number of very expensive satellites in predictable geosynchronous orbits (GEOs) to a distributed constellation of less expensive satellites that utilize a spectrum of less predictable orbits in both GEO and low Earth orbit (LEO). As the Air Force (AF) expands its presence in space with multi-layered satellite constellations, the need for small, lightweight, easy-to-manufacture propulsion systems must go hand-in-hand to ensure the AF’s assets remain agile and constantly responsive to threats. Accion’s Tiled Ionic Liquid Electrospray (TILE) system is an advanced electric propulsion system which combines the use of a safe, inert liquid propellant with a simple, mechanical design with few moving parts to create a satellite propulsion system that is low-cost, compact, easy to manufacture and has less than 50% of the  power draw of other propulsion technologies.  The compact design and low power draw of the TILE system will allow the AF to allocate more satellite volume and power to strategic communications and intelligence-gathering payloads. The TILE propulsion architecture is also compatible with multi-mode propellant; that is, propellant that can operate in both a high thrust (e.g. chemical) and a high efficiency (e.g. electrospray) propulsion system.  This would allow the AF to use a multi-mode propulsion approach that combines high thrust, low efficiency propulsion for rapid maneuvers with low thrust, high efficiency electric propulsion to support fine-tuned and long duration maneuvers with no RF, heat, or visible signature in the same overall propulsion system. AFRL/RVEN and AFRL/RQRS have a national defense-related mission need in the area of multi-mode propulsion to increase the agility and responsiveness of national space assets. As the Air Force updates its space defense architecture to a multi-layered approach of satellite constellations, the need for small, lightweight, easy-to-manufacture propulsion systems must go hand-in-hand to ensure the AF’s systems remain agile and constantly responsive to threats. The adaptation of Accion’s TILE system is uniquely suited to solve this mission need.