NATICK, Mass., March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Busek Co., a
developer of high-performance electric propulsion technology for
space applications, and Maxar Technologies (NYSE: MAXR) (TSX:
MAXR), a trusted partner and innovator in Earth intelligence and
Space Infrastructure, confirmed today the successful completion of
an end-to-end hot fire test campaign validating all major elements
of the 6-kilowatt solar electric propulsion (SEP) subsystem for the
Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) of NASA's Gateway in lunar
orbit.
MAXAR AND BUSEK PASS MILESTONE FOR NASA LUNAR GATEWAY
PROPULSION
The electric propulsion subsystem for the PPE spacecraft
features Maxar-built high-power control electronics (PPU-6000), a
Moog xenon feed system, and four Busek-built BHT-6000 Hall effect
thrusters. Together, this system is 30 percent more powerful than
any SEP system flown by these companies. Busek's thrusters will
help enable highly efficient electric orbit-raising, station
keeping, and maneuvering for Gateway.
"Busek's BHT-6000 electric thrusters offer high-power
capabilities at a competitive price point and are a great fit for
both our near-Earth and deep space programs," said Robert Curbeam, Senior Vice President of Space
Capture at Maxar. "The SEP systems we are evolving for PPE are a
fantastic example of innovative commercial technology with great
flight heritage being leveraged for NASA programs. We continue to
make steady progress on the PPE, with the next major milestone
being the spacecraft Preliminary Design Review, which is targeted
for later this year."
The PPE will provide power, maneuvering, attitude control and
communications systems for the lunar orbiting outpost. Gateway is a
foundational part of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to land the
first woman and next man on the Moon and enable future crewed
missions to Mars. The PPE is managed by NASA's Glenn Research
Center in Cleveland, Ohio and
Maxar is working on the program from its facilities in Palo Alto and San
Jose, California.
"This will be the first time a crewed platform leverages
electric propulsion technology, and Busek is extremely proud to
provide next-generation Hall thrusters for the Power and Propulsion
Element. We applaud NASA's commercial procurement approach to PPE,
and Maxar's shared vision for the BHT-6000. Busek's participation
in the historic Artemis program is uniquely demanding and extremely
rewarding for the entire team," said Vlad
Hruby, President and Founder of Busek.
About Busek Co. Inc.
Busek is a US leader in the development and manufacture of
high-performance in-space thrusters, sensors, and subsystems. From
technology pathfinders to turnkey systems for satellite
constellations, the firm's products provide thrust for a range of
challenging government and commercial missions. Busek's broad
technology portfolio, experience across multiple space propulsion
disciplines, and unique manufacturing, test, and flight expertise,
enables it to provide unbiased solutions to bet fit customer
needs.
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SOURCE Busek Co. Inc.