Compact, scalable electrospray electric propulsion module for CubeSats and small satellites.
Plugim
Compact, scalable electrospray electric propulsion module for CubeSats and small satellites.
Description
Plugim is Xiroi Aerospace's core product: a compact micropropulsion system that tightly packs several electrospray emitter sources using a reliable, fully scalable manufacturing technique. The propellant feeding system and emitter-extractor geometries are purpose-designed to deliver high efficiency and high specific-impulse (Isp) performance in a very small package suitable for CubeSat integration.
Unlike many competing electrospray thruster designs, Xiroi's system does not require high-frequency polarisation switching to operate, which the company states reduces electronics complexity, power draw, and failure points. The propulsion module is built around three main sub-assemblies: a Thruster Unit, a Fuel Management subsystem, and a Power Processing Unit (PPU), integrated into a compact envelope.
The system targets low-thrust, high-specific-impulse operation - well suited to orbit-raising, station-keeping, deorbiting, and formation-flying maneuvers on 3U-class and larger CubeSats - while keeping total wet mass and power consumption low enough to fit typical smallsat power and mass budgets.
Specifications
| Total Impulse | > 2000 Ns |
|---|---|
| Delta-V (for 3U CubeSat) | > 500 m/s |
| Specific Impulse (Isp) | > 800 s |
| Thrust | > 0.35 mN |
| Power consumption (full system) | < 10 W |
| Propulsion system wet mass | < 550 g |
| Total propulsion system size | ~100 x 100 x 75 mm |