Maxwell smallsat electric propulsion introduced

Phase Four has introduced Maxwell, a plasma propulsion solution for small satellites. Maxwell combines a complete propellant management system and Phase Four's proprietary radio frequency (RF) plasma thruster in a compact form factor.

Designed for ease of integration and operation, Maxwell combines simplicity with the powerful performance of complex traditional electric engines. Maxwell eliminates bulky high voltage components and electrodes, reducing cost and removing supply chain barriers common to traditional satellite engines.

"We believe that customers shouldn't have to choose between thrust and efficiency when it comes to propulsion. Maxwell provides the best of both worlds, delivering simple plug and play delta-V," said Beau Jarvis, Phase Four CEO. "Maxwell will enable rapid ROI for low Earth orbit small sat constellations looking for 4-to-6 year operational lifetimes."

Maxwell is the most powerful electric propulsion system of its size, delivering up to 10mN of thrust and up to 1,400s of specific impulse, with total impulse of up to 14,000Ns. Maxwell is for small satellites (20kg to 500kg) with 300W to 500W power budgets.

With a full 1-kg tank of xenon, Maxwell weighs 8.4kg and takes up a volume of 7.5" x 7.3" x 5.3".

Maxwell is an instant startup propulsion unit. No delays. No need to warm and condition cathodes. Equipped with a robust, flexible interface, Maxwell can finely tune thrust parameters on orbit to accommodate changing mission needs.

First deliveries of flight-qualified Maxwell begin in Q4 2019, with sign-ups for deliveries in Q1 2020.

Maxwell will be formally unveiled at the Small Satellite conference in Logan, Utah, 9:30am MST Aug. 6, 2019, at Utah State University's Eccles conference center, room 203.