Brenda Marie Rivers
Maxar Technologies and Natick, Massachusetts-based space propulsion technology maker Busek have concluded hot fire tests for a solar electric propulsion component for NASA’s planned lunar Gateway.
Busek said Wednesday the fire test validates all parts of the Power and Propulsion Element's SEP subsystem that will help handle the Gateway’s maneuvering, communications and attitude control functions in lunar orbit to support missions like the Artemis program.
Robert Curbeam, senior vice president of space capture at Maxar, said the Busek BHT-6000 Hall effect thruster systems will significantly support the company’s programs focused on deep-space and near-Earth missions.
He noted that the team is slated to undergo preliminary design review activities in the coming months.
Maxar provided the PPU-6000 control electronics while Busek built the BHT-6000 thrusters for the SEP. The propulsion component also includes Moog’s xenon feed technology.
