Solid Metal Fuels MPT
MPT generates thrust by ionizing and ejecting a small fraction of the metal puck into vacuum. Different metals provide ranges of Specific Impulse from 710s (Au) up to 2022s (Mg).
No fluids means no risk of leaks, no pressurized tanks and reliable turn-on after long dormancy. With zero hot-standby power, no energy is needed from the satellite when the thruster is not in use.
Sized for Any Mission
MPT may be configured into arrays of any size. A 4-head off-the-shelf module fits within a 0.68-U package and contains enough fuel for 5000Ns of total impulse. Onboard rad-tol PPU and controller are integrated into the unit. Just connect power and comms and begin operation with no warm-up time.
4-Head Thruster
0.68U VOLUME
5000Ns TOTAL IMPULSE
10μN/W THRUST
Modular
Customization is possible for any mission need. Modularity of design allows larger arrays for larger satellites. With only 67mm of thickness, make any surface into a thruster.
Precisely Control Attitude or Completely Change Orbit
Each firing of MPT produces a small, repeatable Impulse Bit.
Total Impulse ranging from ~10μNs to several 1000Ns allows for precise attitude and position control as well as orbital maneuvers.
Solid Metal Propellent
No pressurized fluids. ISP range of 710s (Au) to 2022s (Mg).
Precise Impulse Control
Pulsed operation ranging from 0.1μNs to 1000Ns from a single puck
Scalable, Modular Design
7,300Ns/U total impulse. N-puck modules to suit all nano- and micro- satellites
Simple Power and Control Unit
16-34V operating voltage, no high voltage input required. RS-422 interface to communicate with the thrust module.
End of Life Maneuvers
Capable of years of dormancy yet activated instantly when required. Zero power consumption when idle.
Short Lead Time & Competitive price
2 month manufacturing time for a 4-head (0.68-U) package.
Cost comparable to other EP thrusters.
Extensively Tested
These are slow motion images of a 6-puck thruster under test.
MPT development modules have passed tens of millions of testing cycles to simulate in-orbit performance and establish reliability.
The Right Thruster for Any Satellite
Nano Satellites
Example: 6kg satellite
A 4-puck MPT can produce 5,000Ns total impulse in a 0.68-U package. Impulse gives 830m/s total DV, partitioned for: orbit change/phasing; attitude keeping; drag compensation at 300km for ~2.5 years
Imaging Satellites
Example: 40kg satellite
A 16-puck MPT can produce 20,000Ns total impulse in a 2.7-U package. Impulse gives 500m/s total DV, partitioned for: orbit change/phasing; attitude keeping; drag compensation at 300km for ~2.8 years
Larger Satellites
Example: 100kg Satellite
A 40-puck MPT can produce 50,000Ns total impulse in a 7-U package. Impulse gives 500m/s total DV, partitioned for: orbit change/phasing; attitude keeping; drag compensation at 300km for ~3.3years
Mission Ready
MPT reached TRL6 in 2020. It passed NASA standard vibe/shock tests twice and the thrust was measured on a calibrated thrust stand at NASA/GRC: (Read More).
MPT has been selected for its first flight into LEO on a 12U CubeSat (Read More).
MPT manufacturing protocols are under refinement to enable mass manufacturing for scalable customer requirements.