Spacecraft Propulsion Kits Contract Signed Between Astra, Apex

A contract to provide 5 Spacecraft Propulsion Kits has been signed between Astra Space Inc. and Apex Technology. Initial delivery of the kits, which will be integrated into the Apex satellite bus platform, is expected to begin later this year.

“Astra’s Spacecraft Propulsion Kits are expected to allow customers like Apex to shorten lead times to deliver on customer programs.”

Margo de Naray, General Manager of Astra Spacecraft Engines at Astra.

The Spacecraft Propulsion Kit disaggregates the four subsystems of the Astra Spacecraft Engine module: (1) thruster, (2) power processing unit, (3) feed system, and (4) tank. This disaggregation enables satellite builders to take advantage of shorter lead times to access key components of their propulsion system that they can customize for their unique missions. Astra is adopting the way development kits have transformed the software industry and applying it to hardware by providing the tools and support to accelerate spacecraft development at scale.

Spacecraft Propulsion Kits will Support Electric Propulsion

Apex’s satellite buses are configured by customers to meet specific mission needs. Apex’s 100 kg (≈220 pound) bus model, Aries, will use the Astra Spacecraft Engine kits to support its electric propulsion package. Apex customers are able to receive their spacecraft in a matter of months thanks to Apex’s design-for-manufacturing approach, interoperable software, and product-first mentality.

“The Astra Spacecraft Engine has the flight heritage and the performance we need to deliver our satellite platforms to customers on schedule,” said Max Benassi, Chief Technology Officer of Apex. “As Apex scales production, we look forward to continuing to work with suppliers like Astra who can meet our production ramp rates.”

“Astra and Apex share the common value of producing space products at scale,” said Margo de Naray, General Manager of Astra Spacecraft Engines at Astra. “Astra’s Spacecraft Propulsion Kits are expected to allow customers like Apex to shorten lead times to deliver on customer programs.”

Astra delivered its first commercial launch to low Earth orbit in 2021 just five years after it was founded in 2016. Apex’s productized, configurable bus platforms are delivered in months, enabling the industry to keep up with the accelerating demand for small spacecraft.

(Source: Astra news release. Images provided and from file)