Benchmark provides Starlight thruster to companion community

LOGAN, Utah — Benchmark House Programs introduced a strategic partnership Aug. 5 with startup Starlight Engines.

Underneath the settlement introduced on the Small Satellite tv for pc Convention right here, Benchmark will provide hybrid propulsion methods that pair Starlight Crucible Corridor-effect thrusters with Benchmark non-toxic chemical thrusters. The hybrid propulsion system is designed for high-endurance or high-specific-impulse missions and spacecraft with a mass of 1,000 kilograms or much less.

A promising software for the hybrid propulsion system is a kick stage Benchmark is designing underneath a NASA Small Enterprise Innovation Analysis contract. The kick stage wants hybrid expertise as a result of chemical propulsion alone doesn’t provide sufficient vary, Chris Carella, Benchmark chief business officer, informed SpaceNews. And electrical propulsion alone would “take too lengthy and need to battle radiation results.”

On the SmallSat convention, Benchmark displayed an ESPA-class model of the hybrid propulsion system.  Benchmark can match the hybrid system in area beforehand reserved for electrical propulsion alone as a result of Starlight’s Crucible comes fueled with zinc, which is way extra dense than xenon propellant.

The brand new hybrid propulsion methods, which embrace 4 Benchmark Lynx thrusters, can present “an additional 12 to twenty p.c whole impulse and it’s all excessive thrust,” Carella mentioned.

Propulsion Management

Benchmark additionally presents Modular Adaptive AVionics for Fast Integration & Configuration, or MAAVRIC, common management electronics. MAAVRIC’s frequent interface “significantly reduces integration prices and lead instances, and allows seamless dynamic area operations throughout mission units and mobility system configurations,” in response to the information launch.

As well as, Benchmark is understood for SmartAIM onboard propulsion management software program. Burlington, Vermont-based Benchmark is constant to increase its community to incorporate companions targeted on perspective willpower and management methods, area situational consciousness, chemical propulsion, electrical propulsion and area providers.  

“We’re laser-focused on providing a full expertise stack that delivers on our dedication to area sustainability and our motto: mobility with out compromise,’” Carella mentioned in a press release.

Crucible is the primary product from Starlight Engines, based in 2022. The Corridor-effect thruster is scheduled to fly for the primary time in January 2025.

“We can not consider a greater companion to steer hybrid propulsion integration efforts,” Starlight CEO Todd Bailey mentioned in a press release. “This relationship leverages our complementary strengths to satisfy the demand for Corridor-effect and hybrid propulsion capabilities throughout business and authorities markets.” 

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