Redwire Corporation, a key player in mission-critical space solutions, has announced a strategic cooperation agreement with Phase Four, a leader in in-space propulsion technology. The partnership focuses on developing advanced thruster technology to meet the increasing demand for high-volume, reliable propulsion systems in national security space programs.
Redwire Corporation is well-known for its expertise in space infrastructure and innovation, supporting civil, commercial, and national security space missions with a broad range of capabilities, including avionics, sensors, power solutions, and microgravity payloads.
On the other hand, Phase Four, Established in 2015, specializes in next-generation in-space electric propulsion solutions. The company is known for its radio-frequency thruster (RFT) and collaborates with various satellite operators and manufacturers to enhance mission effectiveness and manage costs. Recently, the company was awarded a significant contract by DARPA for LEO electric propulsion.
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A new thruster in the making
The new partnership aims to design and develop the Valkyrie Thruster, a Hall Effect Thruster (HET) based on the NASA-designed H71M model. The Valkyrie Thruster will feature a streamlined and flexible design, allowing for shorter production times and enabling high-volume production.
This advanced thruster hopes to address challenges within the propulsion supply chain, offering a scalable solution for small satellite manufacturing and other national security space applications.
“Redwire offers a range of solutions designed to support high-volume small satellite manufacturing, and through this partnership, we are focused on delivering an optimal in-space propulsion technology that can specifically address the challenges in the propulsion supply chain,” said Adam Biskner, Redwire’s President of Space Systems.
The Valkyrie Thruster will complement Phase Four’s existing propulsion offerings, which include the radio-frequency Maxwell product line, air-breathing propulsion systems for very low-earth orbit, and propellant-agnostic multi-mode systems. Phase Four also provides a range of in-space propulsion services, such as propulsion planning, propellant acquisition, logistics, leak and pressure testing, and fill operations.
“Partnering with Redwire marks a significant milestone for Phase Four. This collaboration aligns with our mission to innovate and deliver high-performance propulsion solutions for government and commercial customers, with a particular focus on Space Development Agency missions,” said Steve Kiser, CEO of Phase Four.
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Why a new system
The Valkyrie system will offer several advanced features, including post-launch reprogrammability, multiple set-points for mission optimization, and extensive telemetry to extend satellite life expectancy and manage fuel consumption. Both companies will manufacture the power processing unit hardware, thruster, propellant management software, and software control, integrating these components into flight panels.
Redwire’s extensive heritage as a trusted space systems supplier and its scalable business operations will be crucial in bringing the new Valkyrie thrusters to market, with full-rate production anticipated to begin in 2025. This partnership is expected to create a stable and reliable domestic supplier for Hall Effect Thrusters, addressing the increasing challenges in propulsion supply.
“The partnership between Phase Four and Redwire provides both civilian and military space operators another stable and reliable domestic source of electric propulsion systems,” said Steve Kiser. “Phase Four’s market differentiating capabilities and history of propulsion innovation, coupled with Redwire’s mission and engineering expertise, will meaningfully expand the types and volume of Hall Effect Thrusters to an industry that is increasingly challenged to deliver enough propulsion supply.”
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