Aug 7, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Accion Systems and York Space Systems to Develop Standardized Propulsion System for York Spacecraft Platform

Accion Systems and York Space Systems announced today that they have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on a standardized propulsion system for future use with York Space Systems’ spacecraft platform. As part of the intended partnership, Accion Systems will become a preferred provider of standardized propulsion systems, providing York’s customers with state-of-the-art ion engine systems for their spacecraft missions.

“We are thrilled to be working with York Space Systems, one of the most exciting manufacturers of satellites today,” said Natalya Bailey, CEO of Accion Systems. “By leveraging our scalable electric propulsion systems, York’s customers will be able to expand the capabilities and extend the life of each mission, helping create a new standard for what’s achievable in commercial and government space.”

Accion Systems has developed a unique in-space propulsion system, based on a quarter-sized thruster chip, that is scalable from nanosatellites to larger satellites. These engines help satellites perform mission-critical orbital maneuvers. Unlike other ion engines, Accion’s thrust-producing ions are supplied from ionic liquid propellant — a safe, non-toxic liquid salt. This novel source of ions allows Accion to avoid the use of large ionization chambers, pressurized tanks, bulky valves, and external cathodes, significantly reducing its propulsion systems’ size without sacrificing performance, power or reliability.

“York provides commercial, government and international customers pursuing a variety of space missions with state of the art, industrial grade spacecraft at a price point an order of magnitude below our competitors,” said Dirk Wallinger, CEO of York Space Systems. “With Accion onboard, we will continue to lead by ensuring our customers’ satellites are equipped with even lighter, more efficient and more powerful spacecraft propulsion engines. Accion is widely acknowledged to have developed some of the very best in-space technology on the market today. With Accion Systems as a valued partner, York Space Systems will make space exploration even more accessible, affordable and efficient than ever before.”

York designs and produces industrial grade satellites, leveraging the most advanced manufacturing technology in the US, that can be delivered to customers within one month of ordering. With numerous customer platforms under contract, York will be able to produce up to 200 satellites per year, rapidly bringing purpose-built satellites to the entrepreneur and satellite constellation operator.

About Accion Systems

Accion Systems develops advanced satellite propulsion systems for the space industry. Accion’s in-space propulsion technologies optimize scalability, performance and efficiency. Accion’s flagship product, TILE, uses proprietary ion electrospray thrusters, bringing electric propulsion to satellites of all sizes and redefining in-space capabilities. Accion Systems was founded in 2014 by two MIT engineers, Natalya Bailey and Louis Perna, and is based in Boston, MA. For more information, please visit www.accion-systems.com or follow the company @AccionSystems.

About York Space Systems

York Space Systems is an innovative American aerospace company specializing in small and medium class spacecraft based in Denver, CO. The company is entering the production phase of their S-Class platform, which leverages proprietary design and manufacturing processes to reduce the production cost by an order of magnitude. The S-Class platform is a 3-axis stabilized spacecraft capable of supporting 85-kg instrument payloads with up to 100 W of Orbit Average Power (OAP), 1,400 W Peak (Standard), or 3,000 W Peak (Enhanced) with one week delivery times on inventory.

Designed for mass manufacture and intended for constellations, the S-Class supports a wide range of missions including earth observation and communication. It is capable of steady state operation in any orbit inclination and orientation without redesign. The platform form factor can leverage existing ride-share opportunities on ESPA, and can be launched on any of the numerous dedicated small launch vehicles in development. For more information, visit http://www.YorkSpaceSystems.com.