ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEM
REGULUS-50
A robust, versatile, and cost-effective propulsion system to provide wide mobility
to small satellite platforms and nanosatellite deployers.
APPLICATIONS
REGULUS-50 enables new mission scenarios and efficiently makes in-track maneuvers possible, compensates drag in VLEO and performs end-of-life operations.
ALTITUDE CHANGES
PHASING
STATION KEEPING
DECOMMISSIONING
CONTINUOUS DRAG COMPENSATION
COLLISION AVOIDANCE
A Plug&Play propulsion system designed to be easily integrated into different satellite platforms and to match customer’s requirements, with minimal customization efforts and costs.
1.5U
VOLUME
FOR>6U
PLATFORMS
I2
PROPELLANT
8
TRL
MAIN FEATURES
| Thrust | 0.25 – 0.65 mN (highly modulable, 0.55 mN @ 50 W) |
| Specific Impulse | Up to 650 s (550 s @ 50 W) |
| Input power | 30 – 60 W (50 W nominal) |
| Mass flow | 0.1 mg/s |
| Volume | 93.8 x 95.0 x 151.0 mm referred to a Total Impulse of 3000 Ns |
| Weight | 2.5 kg @ 3000 Ns |
| Electric Interface | 12 V DC regulated |
| Communications | Can-bus or I2C with CSP protocol |
ROBUST
REGULUS-50 technology derives from the Magnetic Enhanced Plasma Thruster technology. The absence of electrodes, neutralizer, grids, and any component subjected to deterioration, results in an increased system simplicity, making REGULUS suitable for high Total Delta-V missions.
CUSTOMIZABLE
Different total impulses can be provided under specific customer requests, varying the tank size and thus the overall volume of the propulsion unit. The system is designed to work with Iodine, but other gases (e.g., Xenon, Argon, and CO2) can be used to meet customer needs.
TIMELINE
REGULUS-50 DEVELOPMENT PHASES
2015
Prototype
Development of the first Magnetically Enhanced Thruster design.
2016
Plasma Tests
Plasma source operational tests and prototype test with thrust measurement.
2017
Go Mini
Miniaturized Power Processing Unit and Electronics miniaturization optimized to achieve lower mass, size and complexity.
2018
EM Production
Full scale thruster assembly including Power RF conditioning, control electronic and Iodine feeding line was designed, developed and tested.
2019
QM Tests
Qualification Model environmental tests: Thermal Vacuum, Vibration, Electro- Magnetic-Compatibility, Life.
