Space Systems Loral (SSL), a leading provider of commercial satellites, today announced that it is collaborating with a U.S. technology innovator, Busek Co, Inc. to advance the current capability of solar electric propulsion systems. SSL and Busek plan to build on the current collaboration specifically to address the future needs of NASA and other U.S. government agencies.
Busek developed the first U.S. built Hall Effect thruster to ever fly in space and regularly collaborates with U.S. government agencies such as NASA and the Department of Defense to provide propulsion units and technologies. SSL has been providing spacecraft with electric propulsion since 2004 and has built 18 satellites driven by solar electric propulsion systems that are providing service in geostationary orbit today.
“Our collaboration with Busek will accelerate the development of a highly effective and competitive thruster production capability,” said Dr. Matteo Genna, chief technology officer of SSL. “Working together will put us at the forefront of advances that will benefit satellite operators and are essential to the development of future space infrastructure and space exploration.”
“SSL’s experience and insight will help guide the direction we take in driving advances in high performance thruster technology,” said Dr. Vlad Hruby, president of Busek.
“We are pleased to have support from the leading provider of commercial satellites, which will help us enter new markets and further develop production capabilities.”
About Busek
Busek Co. Inc. is an industry leader in the development and manufacture of high performance space propulsion systems. The firm’s satellite products include highly efficient solar electric propulsion systems such as Hall thrusters, electrospray thrusters, radio frequency ion thrusters, and pulsed plasma thrusters, in addition to green monopropellant thrusters. Busek’s expertise across multiple space propulsion disciplines enables it to provide unbiased solutions to best fit customers’ needs.
About SSL
Space Systems Loral (SSL) is a leading provider of commercial satellites with broad expertise to support satellite operators and innovative space related missions. The company designs and manufactures spacecraft for services such as direct-to-home television, video content distribution, broadband Internet, mobile communications, and Earth observation. As a Silicon Valley innovator for more than 50 years, SSL’s advanced product line also includes state-of-the-art small satellites, and sophisticated robotics and automation solutions for remote operations. For more information, visit www.sslmda.com.
