(El Segundo, CA) The satellite constellation is also referred to as, a satellite swarm. Irregardless of the term, the purpose is a system of satellites working together, in order, to achieve a common purpose. However, one big problem still hampers the effort that is, the satellite constellation; the propulsion system. Phase Four, Inc. is an El Segundo, California U.S.A., aerospace business. Additionally, it offers a solution to the big problem; the propulsion system. Through its proprietary Maxwell On-Orbit Propulsion System, Phase Four, has the problem resolved. Recently, the aforementioned business announced, two big sales. These sales are individual early access purchase agreements with; Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc., and, Capella Space. Both businesses were in search of a solution to the problem, of low Earth orbit (L.E.O.) propulsion. Additionally; each business does intend to use Phase Four’s Maxwell On-Orbit Propulsion System, in their proprietary line of small, or, micro satellites.
On small or micro satellites, Phase Four’s Maxwell On-Orbit Propulsion System, will function as an electrode-less R.F. thruster. Additionally, it is a high-performance plasma propulsion system that, is optimal for L.E.O. use. Specifically, Phase Four’s Maxwell On-Orbit Propulsion System is highlighted by the following features. Turning parameters, mission possibilities and the overall design are the features. The turning parameters are outlined by the following: satellite dry mass; propellant mass; input power and propellant flow rate. The satellite dry mass, is 120 kg. The propellant mass, is 15 kg. The input power, is 450 watts. The propellant flow rate, is medium. The mission possibilities are outlined by 90 degree phase change, the lifetime at 250 km, de-orbit from 1,000 km and the raise altitude 100 km. The 90 degree phase change, is 33 times. The lifetime at 350 km, is 150 months. De-orbit from 1,000 km, is 2.6 months. The raise altitude 100 km, is 11.2 days. The overall design is characterized by the simplicity, power and scalability. Phase Four’s Maxwell On-Orbit Propulsion System is simple, because, it doesn’t require high voltage components or electrodes. Additionally; it is powerful because it has instant startup, and, it doesn’t have life limiting components. Furthermore, it is scalable to one, or, several engines. For the latter, mass manufacturing is possible. Beau Jarvis is the C.E.O. of Phase Four, Inc. Through a press statement, Mr. Jarvis said the following. “The emergence and sheer number of small satellite constellations headed into space over the next few years marks a turning point for the space economy, as increased demand for more commercial missions drive significant ROI for the first time in history. Maxwell was designed to be the engine that powers these missions into LEO and beyond in an economical and efficient manner for our customers and we believe our RF Thruster technology will be the long-term solution for satellite propulsion.”
Returning to; Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc., and its early access purchase agreement, with Phase Four. Tyvak intends to use Phase Four’s Maxwell On-Orbit Propulsion System in its growing portfolio of end to end nano-satellite solutions, micro satellite solutions and micro satellite services. Specifically; to be able to fulfill multiple mission needs, including orbital adjustments and safe de-orbiting of satellites. The latter; is for Tyvak’s U.S. Government customers, and, other types of commercial customers. Tyvak is also recognized as a pioneer, in the aerospace industry. The latter, is for Tyvak’s ability to miniaturize space technologies. Through miniaturization, space becomes more responsive. As a result; Tyvak can design and build satellites very quickly, and, economically. For the early access purchase agreement, the quantity was revealed to be multiple. Additionally; Phase Four will begin to send Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc., its Maxwell On-Orbit Propulsion System, during the third business quarter of the year 2019.
Returning to; Capella Space, and its early access purchase agreement, with Phase Four. Capella Space intends to use Phase Four’s Maxwell On-Orbit Propulsion System, as part of their aerospace and information services. Specifically, Capella Space offers Earth observation data, through, an on-demand concept. The latter, is possible through their proprietary Synthetic Aperture Radar (S.A.R.) technology. This technology is capable of detecting sub-meter changes, on the surface of the Planet Earth. The end result, is also, called radar imaging. Additionally, Capella Space is working towards achieving a satellite constellation, of 36 micro satellites. For the early access purchase agreement, 6 Maxwell On-Orbit Propulsion Systems, have been purchased. Additionally, the option to buy more in the future, is also included, in the early access purchase agreement. Phase Four will begin to send Capella Space, its Maxwell On-Orbit Propulsion System, during the third business quarter of the year 2019. Christian Lenz is the Vice President of Engineering at Capella Space. Through a press statement, Mr. Lenz said the following. “Selecting Phase Four’s Maxwell as an engine for our satellites enables higher performance at lower cost.” Christian Lenz also said. “In terms of ROI, delta-V performance, and plug-and-play integration, Maxwell checks the boxes for employing the best performing systems and space technology in our mission to make vital information about our planet more accessible and reliable. We are pleased to cement this partnership with Phase Four and look forward to putting their capabilities on orbit with our launches later this year.”
To end, Beau Jarvis concluded his press statement by stating. “As the burgeoning demand for small satellite constellations increases on a commercial scale, propulsion technology that is performant, readily manufactured at scale and affordable is required. Demand for such high performing affordable propulsion solutions will only continue to increase. With efficiency and scalability at the forefront, Phase Four’s core thruster technology allows for future spacecraft to use less, further contributing to the sustainable in-space industry and delivering on the promise to provide a satellite propulsion engine that powers missions into LEO and beyond in an economical and efficient manner.” As previously stated, Phase Four, Inc. recently announced, two big sales. The sales are individual early access purchase agreements with; Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc., and, Capella Space. The early access purchase agreements are for Phase Four’s Maxwell On-Orbit Propulsion System. Lastly; each business does intend to use Phase Four’s Maxwell On-Orbit Propulsion System, in their proprietary line of small, or, micro satellites.
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Written from Press Release
Registered Writer with
PR Newswire Association, LLC
R-Berumen28
02/02/2019
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