ThrustMe has delivered seven propulsion systems to Spire Global, Inc. for that company’s LEMUR 3U satellites as it continues to build upon its fully deployed constellation of more than 100 satellites.
Spire’s LEMUR satellites will carry ThrustMe’s I2T5 iodine cold gas system on the next launch that is scheduled for Q4 2022 onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission. These propulsion systems will enable Spire to optimize its constellation performance and prepare for upcoming deorbiting regulations. For the first time, Spire will integrate and use propulsion on its LEMUR satellites.
The integration of ThrustMe’s iodine cold gas propulsion system, the I2T5, will provide Spire significantly improved satellite maneuverability for satellite phasing, collision avoidance maneuvers, and end-of-life deorbiting.
Spire’s Low Earth Multi-Use Receiver (LEMUR) constellation is used to track maritime, aviation, and weather activity from space, and the satellites are equipped with multiple sensors, capable of capturing data day and night — even in extreme weather conditions. Spire also has a Space Services business, which allows organizations to deploy and scale their own constellations at maximum speed with minimum risk. This is accomplished by leveraging Spire’s proven space platform, global ground station network, end-to-end manufacturing facility, and extensive launch partnership network.
ThrustMe has now delivered more than 20 I2T5 systems to clients across the globe and is setting up a dedicated, high-volume, industrial production facility to meet the strong commercial demand from the industry.
“Incorporating propulsion into our satellites will increase the capability of our constellation and safety of operations. ThrustMe’s I2T5 unit has distinct advantages for Spire from a technical risk perspective. The small physical volume and low power requirements are critical for 3U satellites,” said Jeroen Cappaert, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Spire.
“It is particularly important for us to meet the needs of clients such as Spire, who have specific parameters for propulsion solutions. We have designed and developed a system that provides sufficient in-orbit manoeuvrability for satellites with power and volume constraints, so that they can perform essential and soon-to-be mandatory operations,” said Dr. Ane Aanesland, co-founder and CEO of ThrustMe.
ThrustMe is a one-stop shop provider of high performing in-orbit mobility solutions for customer across the globe. It offers a portfolio of disruptive, deeply integrated and smart in-orbit space propulsion solutions design for the new industrialized constellation space era. The company made the world’s first demonstration of an iodine-fueled electric propulsion system in space – an achievement the space industry has tried to reach for 60 years. Now delivering propulsion systems to major constellation players, ThrustMe has set up an industrial production line in the southern outskirt of Paris in France.
