Due to its compact size and non-toxic propellant, Bradford ECAPS's 100mN HPGP Thruster is especially suited to small satellites and CubeSats. Key features of this system include: (1) Non-toxic propellant makes for easier and less costly integration on secondary or ‘piggy-back’ missions. (2) Allows for more secondary or ‘piggy-back’ launch opportunities, especially missions where there is concern about the hazards of hydrazine and its risks to the primary payload. (3) Allows for more capable missions than spacecraft without propulsion. (4) Allows for more agile mission profiles than electric propulsion. Spacecraft take significantly less time to execute maneuvers and orbit changes. (5) Higher performance over hydrazine allows for more payload or longer mission duration. (6) ‘Fuel at the factory’ – integrate in place.
Integrated small satellite modules using the 100mN HPGP are also offered in conjunction with VACCO as part of their MiPS (Micro Propulsion System) within their CubeSat Propulsion line of products (www.cubesat-propulsion.com). The VACCO MiPS integrates arrays of 100mN HPGP and cold gas thrusters working in symphony to provide highly capable and highly modular microsatellite propulsion systems.
