Latest News

Boeing Fuels Accion with New Investment

By Annamarie Nyirady | October 10, 2018
Accion Systems Thruster Electric Propulsion

An Accion Systems electric propulsion system. Photo: Accion Systems

Boeing is investing in Accion Systems, a startup pioneering scalable electric propulsion technology to expand satellite capabilities in and beyond Earth’s orbit. Accion was founded in 2014 by two Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineers, and has received annual contracts from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for the past three years.

Accion’s new Tiled Ionic Liquid Electrospray (TILE) in-space propulsion system aims to increase the lifespan and maneuverability of satellites and other vehicles in space. Leveraging a non-toxic, ionic liquid propellant and postage stamp-size thrusters, the TILE system aims to be smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective than traditional ion engines.

Boeing HorizonX Ventures led the investment round with participation from Gettylab. The investment and partnership will help Accion grow its manufacturing and connect with Boeing experts, resources, and facilities.

Boeing HorizonX Ventures targets investments that help scale startup innovation in aerospace. The investment continues Boeing’s legacy of adopting next-generation technologies to advance satellite capabilities. In 2011, Boeing introduced the first-ever all-electric satellite propulsion system, the 702SP, and has continued to bolster its satellite capabilities with recent investments in Millennium Space Systems and Bridge Sat.