Turn-Key Small Satellite Thruster with On-Demand Pressurization and Non-Toxic Propellant

The overall objective of this SBIR project is to adapt Benchmark Space Systems’ commercially-available chemical propulsion system, the B125, for use in Air Force small satellite missions. During Phase I of the project, Benchmark Space personnel worked with customer/end-users from the AFRL SSP to identify the modifications required to adapt the B125 to meet current and future needs of the broad USAF end-users, and a test and demonstration plan developed to ensure a feasible path to a flight qualified end-item. These adaptations included improving the specific impulse of the thrusters, adding attitude control and relative positioning capabilities, and increasing the resolution of the impulse-bit. In Phase II of this project, the propulsion system will be modified and the AFRL-prescribed tests and laboratory demonstrations will be performed. Empowered and committed AF End-Users have provided an MOU with defined Phase II roles and responsibilities, including a CADRA to include collaborative qual testing at AFRL/RVEN (Kirtland AFB) as well as hot fire testing at AFRL/RQRS (Edwards AFB). A successful test campaign will prepare the hardware for several different Phase III opportunities, with proposed transition support and resources from AFRL/RVKI aimed at ‘FlatSat’ integration and on-orbit technology demonstration.