Maxwell Block 3 Plasma Thruster Introduced by Phase Four
Maxwell Block 3 Plasma Thruster Introduced by Phase Four
The Maxwell Block 3 plasma thruster has been introduced by Phase Four. The new thruster offers satellite manufacturers performance that exceeds Hall Effect Thrusters when operated with krypton, a first for any electrodeless thruster.
The innovative architecture of the updated thruster builds on the flight heritage of Maxwell Block 1 and Block 2 thrusters with significantly improved performance.
Over the last seven years, electrodeless thrusters have gone from an academic exercise to a flight-qualified, high performance electric propulsion solution, largely due to the tireless work of the team at Phase Four. Maxwell Block 3 represents this next step for satellite electric propulsion.
This truster uniquely offers a significantly shorter lead time and lower price point over legacy plasma propulsion systems. The systems will be produced at Phase Four's new state-of-the-art facility in Hawthorne, California. This technological leap, when coupled with Phase Four's production capacity, provides satellite manufacturers the performance, reliability, and availability that the industrialization of Space demands.
Maxwell Block 3 Plasma Thruster Features Modular Design
Designed with adaptability in mind, the Maxwell Block 3 plasma thruster features a sleek, modular design that seamlessly fits into a wide variety of satellite bus configurations, alleviating compatibility concerns. Recognizing the unique demands of each space mission, the thruster is engineered to accommodate any size or shape of commercially available propellant tanks, providing exceptional flexibility. This empowers our customers to tailor the thruster precisely to mission requirements, ensuring peak efficiency and optimum use of resources.
Phase Four's Maxwell Block 3 thruster is a revolutionary advancement that establishes an unrivaled benchmark in satellite propulsion technology. With orders now open for delivery in the first quarter of Calendar Year 2024, seize the opportunity to make a leap in your satellite propulsion system performance and take your missions to unprecedented heights.
(Source: Phase Four news release. Image provided)