ABOUT MAXWELL
Phase Four will accelerate infrastructure expansion in space through the development of high performance plasma propulsion systems manufactured at scale, and the development of advanced propellants.
Product Suite
Maxwell Block 1
2020-2021
Maxwell Block 1 is a turn-key electric propulsion solution for next generation small satellites. It includes our proprietary RF thruster, power electronics, 1.26 kg xenon propellant tank, and flight software in a small package for volume-constrained small satellites.
From $250,000
Maxwell Block 2
Available Now
Maxwell Block 2 takes the thruster, electronics, and fluid systems from Block 1 and arranges them in a panel-integrated fashion. This allows the system to mate to a variety of propellant tanks for different mission total impulse requirements while still using the same production line and production schedule. Block 2 is available for order now.
From $340,000
MAXWELL BLOCK 3
H2 2023
Maxwell Block 3 incorporates updates to the RF thruster. These updates enable a nominal operating point of 14 mN thrust and 1,456 s Isp. This represents a 2x specific impulse improvement over the Block 2 engine at this operating point. Block 3 will be available for order in the second half of 2023.
Maxwell MAX-V
H2 2023
Max-V leverages the Maxwell Block 2 engine's innovative architecture and builds on the radio-frequency thruster's propellant agnostic capabilities. Max-V replaces traditional high cost noble gas propellant with domestically sourced iodine-based propellant. Availability is expected in the second half of 2023.
| Operating Power | 300 - 500 W | 300 - 500 W | 300 - 500 W | 200 W - 1.5 kW |
| Thrust | Up to 7 mN | Up to 13 mN | Nominal operating point of 14 mN with 1,456 s Isp using xenon. 11 mN with 1,160 s Isp using krypton. Note higher thrust modes are possible with lower Isp. | 50+ mN |
| Specific Impulse | Up to 400 s | Up to 700 s | 1,456 s with xenon. 1,160 s with krypton. | 1,200+ s |
| Total Impulse | Up to 5,000 Ns | Variable, can size tank to meet impulse needs. | Variable, can size tank to meet impulse needs. | 100+ kNs |
| Dry Mass | 5.9 kg | 5 kg (excludes tank) | 7 kg (excludes tank) | TBD |
| Bus Voltage | 22 - 34 V | 26 - 34 V | 26 - 34 V | 26 - 34 V |
| Telemetry Protocol | RS-422 | RS-422 | RS-422 | RS-422 |
| Dimensions | 19 cm W x 13.5 cm H x 19 cm D | 22 cm W x 12 cm H x 24 cm D (excludes tank) | 22 cm W x 12 cm H x 24 cm D (excludes tank) | (Preliminary) 22 cm W x 12 cm H x 24 cm D (excludes tank) |
12
Maxwell systems delivered
6
Maxwell systems in orbit
Product Gallery
Example mission specifications using a qualified tank supplier
The table to the right shows example mission specifications using a qualified COPV tank supplier. Both larger and smaller tank sizes are available to customize Maxwell to meet your mission needs. The operating point shown is available as early as Block 2. Contact us today to find the right solution for your spacecraft and constellation.
| TANK DIAMETER | 13.6 cm |
| TANK LENGTH | 25.4 cm |
| TANK DRY MASS | 1.5 kg (excluding harnessing) |
| MEOP | 3,000 psi |
| THRUST | 6.2 mN |
| SPECIFIC IMPULSE | 10m 44s |
| OPERATING POWER | 450 W |
| TOTAL IMPULSE | Up to 64,000 N-s |
*Intellectual Property Notice: The systems and processes discussed and disclosed herein are covered by one or all of the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 11,067,065 and U.S. Pat. No. 11,231,023. Other systems and processes are patent pending in the U.S. and E.P.O.