Patent — available for licensing
Power Processing Unit (PPU) for Small Spacecraft Electric Propulsion
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
Innovators at NASA’s Glenn Research Center have developed a suite of small spacecraft electric propulsion (SSEP) technologies critical to enabling new, ambitious missions into deep space. Advanced SSEP technologies are based on the use of exceptionally fuel-efficient electrostatic Hall effect thrusters with optimized magnetic shielding, achieving massive reductions in propellant mass relative to traditional chemical propulsion systems. NASA’s low-power, high-throughput SSEP technology dramatically increases the capabilities of small spacecraft while maximizing reliability and reducing launch costs. The Power Processing Unit (PPU) is available for licensing on its own, or as a component of NASA’s SSEP technology suite, which is available to U.S. companies through a no-cost, non-exclusive license agreement and companion Space Act Agreement. Click the LEW-TOPS-162: Small Spacecraft Electric Propulsion (SSEP) Technologies link in the Additional Information section for details.