WASHINGTON — The Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit published a call for industry proposals on advanced spacecraft propulsion technology, specifically focusing on electrospray thrusters.
Electrospray thrusters, which generate thrust by accelerating charged particles, promise high fuel efficiency and precise control.
The DoD’s interest in electrospray thrusters reflects the need for more versatile and fuel-efficient spacecraft, especially as the U.S. military increasingly relies on smaller satellites for communications and intelligence purposes.
Traditional propulsion systems using liquid or gaseous propellants can be limiting, as fuel must be carefully conserved for critical maneuvers. Electrospray technology could change this dynamic by enabling spacecraft to perform more frequent and precise adjustments without fear of depleting fuel reserves.
“The Department of Defense is seeking proposals for advanced electrospray propulsion technology that demonstrates superior performance in both thrust and specific impulse,” DIU said. “These solutions should deliver a high-performance, low-cost system capable of supporting a wide range of space missions.”
DIU is a DoD organization dedicated to accelerating the adoption of commercial technology for national security purposes, It awards prototype contracts to companies with promising technologies that address specific DoD needs.
Several commercial companies are already working on electrospray thruster technology, including Boston-based Revolution Space (previously known as Accion Systems), Spanish small satellite propulsion developer Ienai Space, and Ion-X of France.
Sandra Erwin writes about military space programs, policy, technology and the industry that supports this sector. She has covered the military, the Pentagon, Congress and the defense industry for nearly two decades as editor of NDIA’s National Defense…
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