Introduction
In recent years, the space industry, especially in the realm of commercial exploration, has been developing rapidly. The key drivers of this progress are the ambitious plans for deep space research and a wide range of new opportunities for commercial providers. To ensure these missions’ success, companies must choose propulsion systems that can provide essential thrust, efficiency, and reliability for the spacecraft. Electric propulsion systems (EPS) are at the cutting edge of modern technology and meet all of these needs.
SETS is currently developing its advanced SPS-100 Propulsion System which will significantly expand our product lineup, making it possible to use EPS propulsion systems for a wider range of applications.
The SPS-100 Propulsion System is Ideal for Medium and Large Satellite Applications
The SETS SPS-100 Propulsion System is specifically tailored for use in medium and large satellites, which can provide 1000 W to 1600 W of power to the propulsion system. As the SPS-100 system is highly adaptable, it can be integrated into satellites of various sizes and configurations, including communications, Earth observation, and scientific exploration.
Key Characteristics Of the SPS-100
The SPS-100 is the most powerful propulsion system in our product line and will cover the needs of medium and large spacecraft. The system is both versatile and suitable for a wide range of missions, including geostationary satellite station-keeping, orbit-raising, and deep space missions.
The SPS-100 system reduces overall mission costs due to its higher specific impulse (compared to chemical systems), which achieves a reduction in the required propellant mass and tank size.
The SPS-100 Propulsion System combines reliability, efficiency, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal asset for a wide array of mission types.
Below are the key technical specifications for the SPS-100 Propulsion System:
The technical characteristics of the SPS-100 allow:
- keeping satellites in a precise orbit
- enhancing satellites’ operational lifespan and reliability
- facilitating deorbiting
- performing orbital maneuvers
- performing deep space missions.
Structure And Key Components
In the SPS-100, SETS has combined three advanced systems, which all work together to deliver high performance:
- ST-100 Hall-effect Thruster. This thruster operates at nominal power consumption of 1.5 kW, offering high efficiency and reliability. In addition, additive technologies are used to optimize the manufacturing of the thruster structure.
- Xenon Storage and Feed System. This system ensures a controlled supply of propellant to the thruster, which is essential for maintaining optimal performance during space missions.
- Power Processing Unit (PPU). The PPU converts spacecraft electrical power into the specific voltages required for the nominal operation of the other EPS subsystems.
By integrating these components, SETS has engineered a propulsion system that can meet even the most demanding requirements of the most complex space missions.
The SPS-100 Propulsion System: Advantages And Applications
Below are the SPS-100 Propulsion System’s primary applications.
Large Commercial Satellites
Many large commercial satellites, such as GEO telecommunication and Earth observation satellites, need high-power electric propulsion for critical tasks such as station-keeping and orbit-raising.
Example 1: The SPS-100 can be equipped on satellites like Intelsat and SES, which use high-power electric propulsion systems for station-keeping. Such satellites must remain in their designated geostationary orbits and provide uninterrupted communication services worldwide.
Example 2: WorldView Satellites and Sentinel series satellites use electric propulsion to maintain precise orbits for detailed Earth observation. They capture high-resolution images for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and urban planning.
Scientific Missions
The SPS-100 is well-suited for scientific missions, as it meets their requirements for extended travel and high maneuvering capabilities.
Example: NASA’s Dawn spacecraft or ESA’s BepiColombo mission to Mercury are excellent candidates for the SPS-100 since its propulsion system will enable them to reach distant destinations such as asteroids and planets.
Space Telescopes And Observatories
The SPS-100 could also ensure precise position maintenance and orbital adjustments for space telescopes and observatories. This capability would guarantee optimal observation conditions for capturing high-resolution images.
Example: Future space telescopes and observatories, similar to the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), would benefit from propulsion systems like SPS-100 to maintain precise orbits.
Exploration Missions
The SPS-100 could also provide efficiency and operational durability for space exploration missions to Mars, the outer planets, and beyond. The system’s ability to deliver reliable propulsion over large distances would provide numerous assets for such missions.
Example: Missions to Mars, such as NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter or Mars Odyssey, typically use electric propulsion that extends mission lifespans and enables continued exploration of the Martian surface.
The Key Advantages of SPS-100 Over Chemical Propulsion Systems
Higher efficiency. The SPS-100 achieves significantly higher specific impulse (Isp) compared to chemical propulsion. This enables longer missions with reduced propellant mass requirements.
Precision maneuvering. The SPS-100 allows for accurate control over satellite positioning, which is crucial for maintaining optimal orbits and avoiding collisions with space debris.
Environmental sustainability. Environmental sustainability is an important new trend in space exploration. Compared to chemical propulsion systems, the SPS-100 produces less pollution, which aligns with the global goals for “green space.”
Reduced launch costs. Another space exploration trend is sending lighter and significantly more cost-effective payloads into orbit. The SPS-100 lowers launch costs by minimizing propellant requirements and reducing overall satellite mass.
Extended mission lifetimes. The efficient use of propellant allows satellites equipped with the SPS-100 to operate for extended periods. This is a great benefit for geostationary satellites or deep space missions.
Flexible mission profiles. Satellites equipped with the SPS-100 can perform complex maneuvers, such as raising orbits, station-keeping, and end-of-life de-orbiting.
End-to-End In-space Mobility Solutions
Our in-space mobility solutions are tailored to the specific needs of each satellite. We take pride in the SPS-100’s adaptability and potential for customization, which ensures that it will align with the particular goals of any mission – a truly bespoke approach to propulsion engineering from design to production.
Moreover, the SPS-100 system is designed with ease of use in mind and is uncomplicated to deploy: clients need only install the system and “press play.” SETS will manage all of the intricacies and adjustments to provide a smooth experience and an effective propulsion system that will suit customers’ needs.
The SPS-100 and Reducing Space Debris
As the amount of space debris grows, companies increasingly face the serious challenge of preventing collisions and keeping their satellites and space assets safe. Currently, there are an estimated one million pieces of debris 1 cm or larger, each of which is traveling faster than a bullet, meaning that any collision with active satellites or spacecraft would be disastrous. Not only would such collisions jeopardize entire missions, but they would also create even more debris.
Reducing space debris is therefore crucial for making sure Earth’s orbit remains usable in the long term.
The SPS-100 Propulsion System can help address this problem, thanks to its maneuverability. By equipping satellites with advanced propulsion systems like the SPS-100, customers can:
- Perform precise maneuvers to avoid debris
- Safely de-orbit at the end of missions
- Help keep space sustainable
- Ensure safer future missions
The ST-100 Hall-Effect Thruster
SETS’s ST-100 Hall-Effect Thruster forms the basis of the SPS-100 Propulsion System. The ST-100 provides thrust up to 108 mN with a consumption power of up to 1.75 kW and an estimated service life of at least 10,000 hours. Its enhanced reliability lies in novel cathode materials. We strengthened the thruster by adding magnetic shielding to the accelerating channel walls, which substantially reduces erosion and prolongs the thruster’s operational lifespan.
The ST-100 is engineered for use in a diverse range of spacecraft applications, including MEO, GEO, deep space missions, scientific missions, and other space vehicles.
