“ECAPS’ HPGP propulsion system will provide our spacecraft nearly twice the on-orbit delta-V of the more traditional monopropellant systems. This level of performance will give our constellation of small satellites significant mission flexibility, enabling us to provide higher quality, more timely data to our customers,” said Jonny Dyer, Chief Engineer of Skybox. “Early adoption of green propellants is well aligned with our innovative, environmentally responsible culture and this contract makes us the first company in the U.S. to leverage this technology. In addition, the handling and safety advantages of the HPGP system provide us the lowest projected life cycle cost of the technologies we analyzed.”
The contract marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between Skybox and ECAPS to develop propulsion systems for Skybox’s constellation of Earth observation satellites. ATK, ECAPS’ industrial partner in the U.S., is also a key supplier for the project, with content to include the development of propellant tanks at its Commerce, California, facility and the capability to assemble HPGP systems for future Skybox constellation builds at its Beltsville, Maryland. facility. ATK also provides the ability to blend HPGP propellant at its facility in Elkton, Maryland.
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