PacSci EMC Demos Propulsion Technology On-Orbit

One possible MAPS configuration. Photo: PacSci EMC.

PacSci EMC successfully completed propulsion technology tests with its on-orbit technology demonstrator satellite, PacSciSat, on Aug. 1. Over the past month of continuing on-orbit operations in a 515 km, sun-synchronous, polar orbit, PacSci EMC successfully passed Built-in-Tests (BIT) on both its primary and redundant Smart Energetics Architecture (SEA) sequencing system and devices and fired Modular Architecture Propulsion System (MAPS) rocket motors. MAPS precision impulse rocket motors changed PacSciSat’s orbital velocity and altitude exactly as predicted by orbital models, the company stated.

MAPS is an array of sealed, solid propellant rocket motors which extends the orbital life of CubeSats and smallsats and provides propulsion capability for small upper stages. According to PacSci EMC, MAPS can be used for orbital maneuvers and deorbit with very precise and predictable delivered impulse and has no tanks, valves, tubing or heaters, making it a “plug and play” bolt-on design. MAPS has a 10-year life span, uses very low power, has three independent inhibits against firing, and provides variable thrust by firing in pairs, triples, quads, etc.