NPT30-I2 Iodine Ion Thruster for CubeSats and SmallSats
Description
ThrustMe is a French electric propulsion startup founded in 2017 as a spin-off from Ecole Polytechnique and LPP (Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas), developing miniaturized iodine-fueled ion thrusters for CubeSats and small satellites. The NPT30-I2 (Neutralizer-free Propulsion Technology, 30 mm, iodine) is the world's first iodine propulsion system demonstrated in orbit. Iodine is stored as a solid at room temperature and sublimated on demand — enabling propellant storage without the pressurized tanks required by xenon-based thrusters, making it inherently safer to handle and qualify for rideshare. The NPT30-I2 produces 0.9 mN thrust at 75 W input power with a specific impulse (Isp) of 1550 s, enabling efficient orbit raising, station keeping, and deorbit for satellites in the 3–50 kg class. ThrustMe demonstrated the NPT30-I2 aboard CubeSat 1UC-PW1 (a 1U CubeSat) in November 2021 — becoming the first successful in-space operation of an iodine electric propulsion system. The company's technology enables affordable and compliant propulsion for constellation operators who must meet end-of-life deorbit regulations within 5 years.