Integrated Propulsion System

VACCO’s Integrated Propulsion System (IPS) provides a highly reliable, intelligent, attitude control and delta-V solution capable of delivering 12,000 N-sec total impulse to any SmallSat. IPS is a complete, bolt-on propulsion module including propellant storage, feed system, thrusters and controller. Components and manufacturing methods used are the product of 57 years of space experience including propulsion systems that powered both highly successful Mars Cube One (MarCO) CubeSats.

The IPS features four, flight-proven, 1N LMP-103S green monopropellant thrusters double-canted for a net axial thrust of 3.97N. First launched in 2010, fifty-six of these 1N thrusters have been successfully flown. During delta-V operations individual thrusters can be off-pulsed to achieve thrust vector control, roll control or reaction wheel desaturation. Given high thruster throughput capability, propellant and pressurant capacity can be expanded to increase total impulse with minimal impact to the overall design.