Multi-stage Hall thruster for nanosatellites and microsatellites, offering three operational modes from 1.5U to 4U form factors.
MUSIC Electric Propulsion System
Multi-stage Hall thruster for nanosatellites and microsatellites, offering three operational modes from 1.5U to 4U form factors.
Description
The MUSIC (Multi-stage Hall Thruster) Electric Propulsion System by Aliena is a versatile ion propulsion unit designed for small satellites ranging from nanosatellites to microsatellites. It features a unique multi-stage Hall thruster architecture that supports three operational modes: Self-Ignition (1.5U, <20 W), Hot Mode (4U, <100 W), and Dual/Fault-Tolerant Mode (4U, <20–100 W).
The self-ignition mode eliminates the need for a hot stand-by phase, reducing power consumption and enabling instant ignition. The hot mode uses a low-current hollow cathode for higher efficiency, while the dual mode provides redundancy for mission-critical applications.
MUSIC uses xenon (Xe) or krypton (Kr) as propellant — clean, non-toxic gases that comply with international debris mitigation guidelines. The system is designed for orbit raising, station keeping, constellation maintenance, debris avoidance, and end-of-life deorbiting maneuvers.
Key advantages include competitive pricing, a 12-month delivery commitment, and scalable configurations suited for both CubeSats and larger small satellites up to 500 kg. Aliena is Singapore's leading electric propulsion startup, founded to bring state-of-the-art propulsion to the new space economy.
Specifications
| Form Factor (Self-Ignition) | 1.5U |
|---|---|
| Form Factor (Hot/Dual Mode) | 4U |
| Power (Self-Ignition) | <20 W |
| Power (Hot Mode) | <100 W |
| Power (Dual Mode) | <20–100 W |
| Thrust (1.5U) | up to 0.25 mN |
| Thrust (4U) | 0.1–3 mN |
| Specific Impulse (1.5U) | up to 200 s |
| Specific Impulse (4U) | 200–1000 s |
| Total Impulse (1.5U) | 1 kNs |
| Total Impulse (4U) | 15 kNs (with Xe) |
| Mass (1.5U) | 2 kg |
| Mass (4U) | 5 kg |
| Propellant | Xenon (Xe) or Krypton (Kr) |
| Target Satellite | Nanosatellite (1.5U), Microsatellite (4U) |
| Ignition | Instant self-ignition (no hot stand-by required) |
| Lead Time | 12 months |