An ultra-low-mass electric propulsion thruster and power processing unit (PPU) combo for a 2 kW system, offering very high power density to save launch mass.
Orbital Arc Thruster and PPU
An ultra-low-mass electric propulsion thruster and power processing unit (PPU) combo for a 2 kW system, offering very high power density to save launch mass.
Description
Orbital Arc's electric propulsion system combines a thruster and its power processing unit (PPU) into a single ultra-low dry mass package. For a 2 kW system, the combined thruster and PPU are expected to weigh less than 600 grams, yielding a power density of 3,250 W/kg. This high power-to-mass ratio is intended to reduce the mass budget consumed by the propulsion subsystem, lowering launch costs and fuel requirements while freeing up mass for additional payload. According to Orbital Arc, this efficiency allows spacecraft equipped with the system to fly farther, maneuver faster, carry more payload, and operate longer in space.
Specifications
| Expected dry mass (thruster + PPU combined) | < 600 g |
|---|---|
| System power | 2 kW |
| Power density | 3,250 W/kg |