SpaceX Transporter-1 Carries Two Phase Four-Powered Small Satellites to Low Earth Orbit in New ‘ROI in Space’ Era

Small satellite propulsion systems like Phase Four’s Maxwell translate to ROI for satellite operators

With the Maxwell engine, small satellites achieve and maintain optimal orbits to deliver high quality data and earth imagery for longer duration missions

Phase Four is nearing maximum production capacity for 2021 deliveries

Phase Four, the creator of the radio-frequency thruster (RFT) for satellite propulsion, announced that two small satellites powered by its flagship Maxwell plasma propulsion engine launched into space Sunday aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-1 rideshare. The launch, which includes multiple commercial customers, also marks the first in a series of 2021 deployments of Phase Four’s high-performance, low-cost Maxwell propulsion systems for satellite constellations that are supporting a rapid expansion of in-space mobility.

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Maxwell plasma propulsion engines will power two smallsats that will execute Earth observation missions in low Earth orbit (LEO) over several years. The RFT-powered Maxwell propulsion system maneuvers satellites to optimal orbit and maintains their positions to acquire and measure precise Earth imagery data. Propulsion for small satellites in LEO makes them far more agile to minimize collisions and extends mission lifetime by multiple years, which is critical for commercial spacecraft missions.

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The Maxwell engines are designed to allow in-space mobility over several years, significantly extending the life of LEO satellites in order to maximize ROI on each satellite in a constellation. Depending on orbit altitude and mass, Maxwell enables small satellites to remain in their optimal orbits for 3-5 years, far longer than without propulsion or with legacy propulsion options. Maxwell, at 19 centimeters x 13.5 cm x 19 cm (7.5 inches x 5 in. x 7.5 in.) and under 6 kilograms (13 pounds), is the lightest, most compact all-in-one mid-range power plasma propulsion system commercially available on the market.

“We developed the Maxwell plasma propulsion engine to provide small satellites with an optimal level of thrust and efficiency in a lightweight, space-saving design that hasn’t existed before,” said Beau Jarvis, Phase Four CEO. “As a result, we’re seeing pent up demand for compact, high-performing satellite propulsion systems that have put us on track to deliver several Maxwell units to customers launching satellites in each quarter of 2021 and into 2022.”

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