Avant Space Systems Information

The number of small satellites launched annually is experiencing rapid growth, and this is often attributed to the current trend of creating small satellite constellations in low orbits, which leads to the need in a propulsion system of small size with high specific impulse. Due to the fact that the market is pretty limited in terms of existing solutions, small satellites in constellations are forced to use heavy and bulky propulsion systems, which results in profit losses for satellite owners. The goal of our company is to create a lightweight, small, and efficient ion thruster for small satellites. The use of our thruster creates an opportunity for cost-effective commercial missions in low orbits, be it standalone satellites or constellations. GT-50 provides an opportunity of phasing satellites after a cluster launch, transferring satellites to their target orbits, as well as increasing the mission lifetime with a relatively small initial mass of the satellite. GT-50 thruster is an RF ion thruster with magnetic field parameters chosen to fit the conditions of resonant excitation in plasma. The way the discharge is conducted in the discharge chamber allows reducing the power consumed per mN of thrust significantly compared to existing solutions. This broadens the range of possible applications of the thruster in various space missions. Compact and lightweight thruster with low power consumption might be used in space missions with low power capabilities and limited volume available. GT-50 ion thruster can be easily integrated into a spacecraft along with the subsystems developed by Avant Space Systems. The project team includes skilled engineers, some of whom have a PhD in aerospace engineering, and professors who have vast experience in electric propulsion. We already have our technology working in lab and a test launch of the propulsion system as part of a technological mission is planned for 2022.