Science and Technology

Pioneering the Future of Satellite Propulsion: Phase Four Secures DARPA Contract for an "Air-breathing" Electric Propulsion System

HAWTHORNE, Calif., April 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a groundbreaking advancement in satellite propulsion technology, the innovative company Phase Four has been awarded a substantial $14.9 million contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This notable partnership is set to produce an electric propulsion (EP) system with the unique ability to "breathe air," engineered to enhance satellite operations within the Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) at altitudes ranging from a mere 90 to 450 kilometers.

Phase Four's radio-frequency thruster under test at its facility in Hawthorne, CA.

Unveiling DARPA's Otter Program

The Otter program sits at the heart of this initiative, designed by DARPA with the ambition to not only develop but take to the skies with demonstration of “air breathing” EP technologies. The innovative element lies in its harvest of ambient, low-density atmospheric materials as a propulsion medium, setting the stage for more prolonged and sustainable satellite operations within VLEO altitudes. The culmination of Otter’s efforts will be a comprehensive "orbiting wind tunnel" in space, an ambitious demonstration crafted to meticulously characterize the EP system's performance within the true dynamics of its intended orbital environment.

Revolutionizing Electric Propulsion

Phase Four stands on the cusp of propulsion technology innovation with its radio frequency thruster (RFT) core technology, representing a significant shift from traditional EP systems which tend to deteriorate when faced with unconventional propellants. The RFT's intrinsic ability to adapt to a diverse range of propellants makes it exceptionally suited for the distinct challenges presented by the low-density atmospheric conditions of the VLEO. Building on the accomplishments of a previous DARPA collaboration which yielded a proof-of-concept thruster prototype, Phase Four is poised to propel the Otter program to successful realizations.

Leadership Comments

Umair Siddiqui, the astute President and CTO of Phase Four, as well as the Principal Investigator for this endeavor, expressed both pride and enthusiasm at the opportunity to extend their support for DARPA's progressive endeavors in advancing in-space propulsion capabilities. Noting Phase Four's impressive track record, Siddiqui highlights, "Our electric propulsion systems, which have been incorporated into nine satellites, boast of over 5,300 cumulative days of heritage in orbits, dating back to the founding of our company. We are greatly excited to bring this wealth of experience and our sweeping innovations in electric propulsion systems to bear on the success of the Otter program."

Equally optimistic, Jason Wallace, President of Government Programs at Phase Four, elaborated on the significance of this achievement, seeing it as a stepping stone to a wide span of capabilities in space propulsion. "With the Otter program now part of our portfolio, our reach extends across the entire expanse of space domains, from the peripheries of the atmosphere to the furthest depths of space," he said. He further noted the strategic importance of sustained missions within VLEO as traditional orbits burgeon with traffic and become increasingly contentious points in considerations of national security.

About Phase Four

Founded in 2015, Phase Four emerged as a disruptive force in the arena of electric propulsion solutions targeted at the burgeoning small satellite sector. The firm set out with the mission to bridge the gaps in the rapidly expanding satellite constellation market. They soon introduced the Maxwell turn-key propulsion system, which not only gained flight heritage by 2021 but is now a go-to choice for small satellite operators across the globe.

The RFT, their flagship technology, marks a paradigm shift in propulsion technology, allowing for a drastic reduction in costs, advances in mass-manufacturability, and miniaturization of power electronics, alongside universal compatibility with propellants. All these advantages are conferred without any trade-offs in performance. Further information about Phase Four and its robust propulsion technologies can be accessed via their official website.

Preparing for a New Space Age

The need for innovation in space technology has never been more crucial. As humanity looks toward the stars and envisions habitats, industries, and commerce taking root beyond the confines of Earth, the tools to sustain these lofty ambitions must evolve in parallel. The new electric propulsion systems spearheaded by Phase Four represent a pivotal step in reshaping how we interact with, and sustain, our extraterrestrial endeavors.

Contracted by DARPA, Phase Four’s mandate under the Otter program could perhaps be one of the most consequential steps in this journey. The development of an "air-breathing" thruster capable of flourishing in the VLEO region promises to pave the way forward, allowing satellites to operate longer and more efficiently than ever before. Moreover, these systems herald a new era where space assets can remain in orbit without the significant cost and complexity associated with frequent refueling missions.

Overcoming the Limits of Legacy Systems

Legacy electric propulsion systems relied heavily on traditional propellants and were subject to degradation when faced with the unpredictable and often harsh environment of space. Phase Four's RFT not only conquers this limitation but also promises a solution that is agnostic to the type of propellant used — a critical factor in the success of future extended missions.

The unique feature of being propellant agnostic positions Phase Four's technology as a revolutionary leap forward in propulsion systems. It is not restricted by the variances in atmospheric composition which may occur when operating in the low-density environment encountered in VLEO, an orbit conducive to low-cost and highly accessible space operations.

Commitment to Collaboration and Innovation

The recent contract award by DARPA to Phase Four underscores a collective commitment within the space industry to invest in, and leverage, the ingenuity and pioneering spirit of private enterprises. Through the Otter program, Phase Four has the opportunity to showcase its avowed commitment to providing solutions that not only meet the demands of today’s space operations but also anticipate the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

In concert with DARPA, Phase Four stands at the nexus of technological transformation and strategic space operation. With the firm’s vast array of propulsion technologies finding their home in an ever-widening array of applications from near-space to the cusp of deep space exploration, the path to a sustainable and highly dynamic presence in space becomes clearer.

Enhancing National Security and Scientific Innovation

The work on propulsion technologies like the air-breathing EP system is not just a boost for space exploration but also a pivotal factor in enhancing national security. The ability to maintain persistent surveillance or communication capabilities in VLEO can provide a strategic edge. The relative difficulty of tracking and monitoring satellites in this lower orbit adds to their tactical value, making it an attractive frontier for future defense and intelligence-gathering operations.

Moreover, the scientific community is set to benefit immensely from the prolonged operational lifespan of satellites. The long-term study of terrestrial phenomena, as well as near-space events, rely heavily on the continuous availability of space-based instruments. As Phase Four’s systems facilitate these prolonged missions, the potential for groundbreaking scientific discoveries will inevitably rise.

A Vision for the Future

As the debate over sustainability and environmental impact extends into the realm of space, the advances pioneered by Phase Four represent not only technological progress but also an echo of the concerns from below the Kármán line. Propellant-agnostic systems reduce the need for hazardous propellant materials and their complex ground handling, potentially leading to a more environmentally-friendly approach to satellite operations.

Phase Four’s electric propulsion system stands as a testament to the power of human ingenuity when faced with the boundless mysteries and challenges of the cosmos. The partnership with DARPA via the Otter program is a clarion call to the industry — that the skies above are ripe with possibility, awaiting the touch of innovation to unravel their secrets.

Forward-Thinking Initiatives and Collaborative Enterprise

Sustaining the momentum achieved in the flourishing domain of space exploration and utilization requires not just individual brilliance, but also collective effort and wisdom. With DARPA’s support, Phase Four embodies this spirit of forward-thinking and collaborative enterprise. This duo, with their recent contract agreement, flags the beginning of what may be a transcendent phase in satellite technology — a leap into a future where electric propulsion systems will be as commonplace as the satellites they propel.

By focusing on innovation, scalability, and practical solutions, Phase Four continues to play a pivotal role in the democratization of access to space. Beyond the government and defense sector implications, there exists the potential for these advancements to trickle down, enabling commercial and educational satellites to affordably, safely, and sustainably reach their orbital destinations.

This contract and the ensuing advancements may well stand as a significant milestone in the history of space technology. A piece of history chronicled not just in the artifacts of technological innovation but in the collaboration that made such astounding progress possible.

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SOURCE: Phase Four