The Journal of Space Commerce

The Journal of Space Commerce

DARPA Awards $14.9M Contract to Phase Four

Will Develop Air Breathing Electric Propulsion for VLEO Operations

Tom Patton's avatar
Tom Patton
Apr 10, 2024
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The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded a $14.9 million contract to Phase Four to deliver an "air-breathing" EP system to enable extended satellite operations in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), at altitudes as low as 90-450 km (56-280 miles).

"With the addition of the Otter program, Phase Four's portfolio of propulsion capabilities…

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