BGT-X5
Monopropellant thruster for high performance space applications
0.5N Green monopropellant thruster delivers 565N-s in 1U CubeSat volume
Busek’s BGT-X5 green monopropellant thruster system produces 0.5N thrust and features a highly stable “green” propellant alternative to hydrazine. The thruster features a patented long-life catalyst reactor, high temperature thruster body, and low-power piezo microvalve (flight heritage).
The novel propellant tank and patent-pending Post-Launch Pressurization System (PLPS) enable a compact high-thrust propulsion solution for Cubesats and Smallsats. The BGT-X5 system has 1U volume and easily scales by increasing the size of the propellant tank to support higher total impulse applications. Alternately, multiple systems can be easily integrated onto a single spacecraft for modular attitude control and translational thrust.
Propellant: ASCENT
Thrust: 500 mN nominal
Specific Impulse: 220-225 s
Total Impulse: 565 N-s
System Power: 20W
Input Voltage: 6-16 VDC
Nominal Voltage: 12 VDC
Interface: RS-485
System Mass: 1.5 kg BOL
An Integrated Solution
The system uses a highly stable, ‘green’ propellant (ASCENT), which offers 10% higher specific impulse, and 45% greater density than hydrazine, a highly toxic monopropellant. Replacing hydrazine with ASCENT translates to a smaller, lighter propellant tank and lower wet mass for a given mission. The stable propellant reduces transportation costs and ground handling time, and allows for simplified storage given its lower vapor pressure. Based on system performance, operational responsiveness, size, and safety features, the BGT-X5 is the clear choice among small monopropellant solutions.