Maxwell Block 3 RF Plasma Thruster
Phase Four
Turn-key RF electrodeless plasma propulsion system for 20–500 kg satellites — 5.9 kg dry, 8–18 mN thrust, 600–1,300 s Isp, supports Xe/Kr/ASCENT/Hydrazine, from $250,000.
Technical specifications
- Dry mass
- 5.9 kg
- Total mass (with 1 kg Xe tank)
- 8.4 kg
- Dimensions
- 19 × 13.5 × 19 cm
- Operating power
- 300–500 W
- Bus voltage
- 22–34 V
- Thrust range
- 8–18 mN
- Specific impulse
- 600–1,300 s
- Total impulse
- Up to 14,000 N·s
- Propellants
- Xe, Kr, ASCENT, Hydrazine
- Interface
- RS-422
- Target satellite class
- 20–500 kg
About
Maxwell is Phase Four’s complete turn-key plasma propulsion solution for small satellites in the 20–500 kg class. It combines a proprietary radio-frequency electrodeless plasma thruster with miniaturized power electronics, a propellant management system, and flight software in a single unit. Unlike Hall Effect thrusters, Maxwell’s electrodeless architecture eliminates high-voltage components and cathodes, enabling instant startup with no warm-up. Block 3 is the first electrodeless thruster to match or exceed Hall Effect Thruster performance when operated with krypton. The system supports multi-mode operation with Xenon, Krypton, ASCENT, and Hydrazine propellants.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.