Benchmark Space Systems has engaged in a strategic partnership with Starlight Engines, a Hall Effect Thruster provider, to further meet the imminent need for interoperable, multi-technology hybrid propulsion systems in a new era of dynamic space operations.
Benchmark will offer Starlight’s Hall Effect Thruster (HET) to extend mission coverage to include high-endurance, or high-specific impulse operations for spacecraft up through 1000 kg, as part of its diverse portfolio of chemical and electric propulsion systems that can be seamlessly integrated with its universal flight control electronics to extend mission maneuverability capabilities with a turnkey platform designed for rapid deployment.
The tightly integrated, low SWaP hybrid propulsion system enables mission designers and operators to efficiently plan and execute complex, high-delta V missions efficiently without sacrificing rapid mobility capabilities that are increasingly important in commercial and government operational sustainment.
Starlight HETs are pre-fueled with zinc propellant, which frees up enough volume, compared with typical xenon, krypton, or argon systems, to add Benchmark’s non-toxic chemical thrusters in the same sized package. The result? An additional 15-25% total impulse or mission range, at 50-100 times the thrust of the electric side of the system, to extend mission endurance and add agility for space traffic management and dynamic space operations. This multi-technology integration will also enable transfers to high energy orbits and in-space services.
Benchmark’s MAAVRIC (Modular Adaptive AVionics for Rapid Integration & Configuration) universal control electronics allows mission operators to pair Benchmark and proven partner propulsion systems with a common interface, which greatly reduces integration costs and lead times, and enables seamless dynamic space operations across mission sets and mobility system configurations.
The avionics package, enhanced by SmartAIM™ advanced onboard propulsion control software, is being considered by a growing number of missions and operators deploying Benchmark thrusters and propulsion systems. Benchmark plans to continue adding key partnerships aboard its common interface, including alliances with Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS), Space Situational Awareness (SSA), chemical propulsion, electric propulsion, and service providers.
“As the premier space mobility solutions integrator, Benchmark Space Systems is developing and aggregating the most reliable and relevant mission-ready propulsion systems and solutions through strategic multi-entity partnerships. We are laser focused on offering a full technology stack that delivers on our commitment to space sustainability and our motto of Mobility Without Compromise,” said Chris Carella, Benchmark’s Chief Commercial Officer. “These exciting propulsion and technology partnerships are a powerful example of how our open, universal integration platform combines available and innovative technologies and advancements to fulfill robust and sustained space maneuver requirements for both government and commercial missions in space. Technology partnerships like this one between Benchmark and Starlight underlines the enabling power of leveraging complementary, non-traditional and commercial innovations to enhance current operational capabilities and offer a real edge to government and commercial initiatives.”
“Benchmark’s leadership and engineering teams have been supportive of our approach to electric propulsion since our founding. We look forward to providing superior electric propulsion systems and expertise for Benchmark’s mobility solutions portfolio,” said Todd Bailey, Starlight Engines CEO. “We cannot think of a better partner to lead hybrid propulsion integration efforts. This relationship leverages our complementary strengths to meet the demand for Hall Effect and hybrid propulsion capabilities across commercial and government markets.”
“Now that rival nations are launching satellites with ambiguous intent, we’d like to move around and look at many things in the geosynchronous sphere as much as we possibly can,” said Ret. U.S. Space Force Lieutenant General John Shaw. “Not having freedom to maneuver is constraining us in a significant way, and it’s not enabling us to do Dynamic Space Operations the way we’d like.”
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