in ,

Phase Four to Demo Multi-mode Propulsion Capabilities Under Space Force Contract

Phase Four to Demo Multi-mode Propulsion Capabilities Under Space Force Contract - top government contractors - best government contracting event

Phase Four was tasked to demonstrate multi-mode propulsion capabilities using its radio-frequency thruster technology as part of a contract awarded by the U.S. Space Force during the SpaceWERX Pitch Day in mid-August.

The company said Wednesday its Maxwell engine will operate on an Air Force Research Laboratory-developed green propellant in an effort to enable varying thrust capabilities on government and commercial spacecraft.

Utilizing the ASCENT propellant, Maxwell will try to execute “Low gear” mode with high thrust, low efficiency chemical thruster meant for rapid collision avoidance maneuvers, and “High gear” mode with low thrust, high efficiency electric thruster intended for long duration operations and high delta-v orbit transfers.

Phase Four’s engine is fitted with a flexible architecture that enables the technology to operate on noble gases and new alternative propellants.

“As industry seeks to expand beyond Low Earth Orbit and standard mission profiles, we are seeing a growing industry need for propulsion that can adapt to the various stages of  commercial missions, from rapid deployment, to long-term stationkeeping, to collision avoidance and to deorbiting,” said Jason Wallace, vice president of advanced development at Phase Four.

ExecutiveBiz Logo

Sign Up Now! ExecutiveBiz provides you with Daily Updates and News Briefings about Contract Awards

mm

Written by Christine Thropp

oversees day-to-day content production for ExecutiveBiz, a publication under Executive Mosaic's media group covering government contracting industry news. She also writes about executive movements and commentaries, M&A activities, contract awards and technology and service offerings of medium-sized businesses and other GovCon companies. Prior to assuming her current responsibilities with EBiz, Thropp produced daily competitive intelligence briefings for the company's GovCon customers.

Huntington Ingalls Begins 4th Ford-class Aircraft Carrier Construction - top government contractors - best government contracting event
Huntington Ingalls Begins 4th Ford-class Aircraft Carrier Construction
Kratos Completes Inaugural Drone Flight at New Facility in Oklahoma - top government contractors - best government contracting event
Kratos Completes Inaugural Drone Flight at New Facility in Oklahoma