ASCEND PROPULSION SYSTEM
Propulsion made clean, safe and easy
The Ascend propulsion system is a family of fully integrated thermo-resistive, water-based propulsion solutions. Generating thrust using superheated steam, it ensures a safe, robust, and exceptionally reliable propulsion.
Engineered as a plug-and-play subsystem, it combines the best aspects of the various propulsion technologies, offering substantially higher thrust than electric propulsion, along with greater simplicity and reliability than chemical thrusters. Ideal for end-of-life de-orbiting applications, its high performance and modularity also makes it a prime choice for other maneuvers, including orbit raising, collision avoidance, and formation flying.
Thanks to Ascend Beyond Space's technological advancements, this propulsion system achieves superior thrust and specific impulse, establishing it as the leading water-based propulsion system on the market. Designed for high reliability, with extensive direct and indirect fluidics, electrical, sensor redundancy, making it fully compliant with launcher and ground-safety requirements from all major launch authorities.
USE CASE EXAMPLE
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Single unregulated power bus compatible.
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Single digital communication bus minimizing use of OBC interfaces count.
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Fully internally handled concepts of operations.
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Extensive included housekeeping for propulsion system monitoring.
Performance
Total impulse
Thrust
Specific impulse
Minimum impulse bit
Preheating time
Thrust duration
Propellant
1 kNs, 2 kNs, 5 kNs, 10 kNs, 20 kNs, 30 kNs
10 ... 40 mN (TC control)
200 s
< 10 mNs
< 5 minutes
Continuous
H2O
Interface
Electrical interface
Supply voltage
Quiescent power
Thrust power
Communication interface
Mechanical interface
Size (starting)
Wet Mass (starting)
Fluidic interface
DMM (MIL-DTL-83513G)
11 V - 34 VDC
< 1 W
25 ... 100 W (TC control)
RS-485
10 x M3 fasteners
96 mm x 96 mm x 220 mm (2U compatible)
Starting from 1600 g
1/16" Swagelok fitting
Environmental
Temperature range
Radiation
Random vibration
Shock
+5 °C to +60 °C operational
+5 °C to +70 °C non-operational
TID > 30 krad
19.9 grms
SRS 1000 g (ECSS-E-ST-10-03C)
Customizations
Electrical interfaces
Mechanical interfaces
Communication interface
Fluidics interface
Tank/head configuration
Thruster configuration
Temperature range extension
Fueling
Analysis
Custom connector
Custom mounting pattern
CAN
Fluidic extension lines
Custom placement
Up to 4 thrusters (160 mN)
-20 °C to +70 °C non-operational
Fill at facility
PSA, WCA, FIT, Structural