FIRST US HALL THRUSTER IN SPACE, TACSAT-2 (LAUNCHED 2006, SUCCESS)
On December 16, 2006 the AFRL TacSat-2 satellite was launched with Busek’s 200W Hall Thruster for primary propulsion.
This thruster is the first US-designed and US-built Hall thruster in space and represents a significant milestone not only for
Busek but also for the US space industry.
Assembly Test Fixture
including propellant
storage and feed system
BHT-200 thruster and
BHC-1500 cathode
Thruster and cathode
under test in vacuum
HOME >> FLIGHT PROGRAMS >> TACSAT-2
Launch, 16 Dec 2006
Wallops Island
The primary objective was to demonstrate improved microsat manoeuvrability. Plume measurements and on-board
diagnostics verified performance.
diagnostics verified performance.
