Large Plasma Brake (APB-L)
Aurora Propulsion Technologies
Propellant-free deorbiting tether for SmallSats — up to 5000m tether, Designed-for-Demise compliant, effective for satellites up to ~200kg on orbits up to 1000km.
Technical specifications
- Deorbit Mechanism
- Propellant-free Coulomb drag microtether
- Tether Length
- Up to 5000 m
- Max Serviceable Satellite Mass
- ~200 kg
- Effective Orbit Altitude
- Up to 1000 km
- Compliance
- Designed-for-Demise (D4D)
- IOD Status
- Expected early 2027
About
The Large Plasma Brake (APB-L) is a propellant-free deorbiting solution designed for SmallSats, deploying up to 5,000 meters of electrically charged microtether. The system generates Coulomb drag through interaction with environmental ionospheric plasma, making it suitable for any Designed-for-Demise (D4D) satellite operating at most LEO altitudes.
APB-L remains effective for satellites up to approximately 200 kg on orbits up to 1000 km, and its level of platform independence can be customized to fit mission requirements, posing minimal platform interface demands. An in-orbit demonstration is expected in early 2027.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.
