Rubicon Space Systems
products
ASCENT Based Thrusters and Propulsion Systems
Since early 2020’s, Plasma has commercialized a product line after years of internal development and SBIR’s including the commercialization of five total Phase II’s, three Phase II-E’s, and two Phase III’s. We spun off a propulsion division called Rubicon Space Systems which focuses on ASCENT (AF-M315E) Green propellant thrusters and propulsion systems. Since its inception, Rubicon has sold 30+ thrusters and plans to get more flight heritage in late 2025 and early 2026. We are excited for the adoption of ASCENT into the space market for its incredible ability to allow for faster launches and better operational efficiency including de-orbit and allows for quick maneuverability. You can find more at https://www.rubicon.space/ and within the below sections.
Pulse testing of a 1N ASCENT (AF-M315E) Thruster produced by Rubicon Space Systems, the propulsion division of Plasma Processes.
Propulsion Systems
Rubicon is developing a line of SmallSat propulsion systems that leverage our line of ASCENT thrusters. The hardware and our experience was garnered through our work with NASA and AFRL SmallSat propulsion programs.
Sprite Propulsion System
Sprite is a self-contained propulsion module designed to operate individually or up to eight modules collectively. Multiple Sprite modules can provide distributed “Power by Wire” propulsion capability to a SmallSat (just like revolutionary Electrohydrostatic Actuators (EHAs) on modern day aircraft). One or more Sprite units can serve as a simple and cost-effective way to add collision avoidance and de-orbit capability to your spacecraft as a bolt-on solution.
PRODUCTS
Thruster
Rubicon’s line of advanced, high-performance thrusters delivers unprecedented performance with true monopropellant simplicity. By harnessing ASCENT (AF-M315E) – a safe, long-term-storable propellant jointly developed by AFRL and NASA – each thruster eliminates the handling risks and system complexity of traditional bipropellant engines.
Our portfolio spans the flight-proven 0.1N thruster, the versatile 1N and 5N thrusters, and the large 110N thruster. Each thruster was meticulously design to minimize pre-heating power requirements, and maximize the operational envelope. Backed by a team with over 35 years of combined propulsion experience and ongoing support from NASA, AFRL and MDA, Rubicon’s ASCENT thrusters’ power smallsat and large spacecraft missions alike.
0.1N HT Thruster
Our 0.1N thrusters are on NASA’s Lunar Flashlight 6U spacecraft, which launched in December 2022. We recently continued qualification testing of the 0.1N thruster. To date, it has demonstrated over 3.1 kg throughput, over 17 hours of accumulated firing time, and over 65,000 pulses. Duty cycles have ranged from 10 – 90% in pulse mode, with pulse trains as long as an hour at nominal operating conditions. The longest single pulse was 101 minutes at normal operating pressures and thrust. After all of this testing, there are no signs of performance degradation. Our next milestone is 5 kgs throughput, 100,000 pulses, and 25 hours of firing time.
1N LT Thruster
The 1N LT design enabled cheaper and faster manufacturability whilst still maintaining high performance. This thruster is designed for small satellite applications where their primary function would be orbit insertions, breaking maneuvers, and de-orbiting. The 1N LT thrusters have a specific impulse (Isp) of >260 seconds and delivered total impulse of up to 6,000 Ns.
1N HT Thruster
The 1N HT design enables high throughput and long firing times. The thruster is design for larger spacecraft and orbital transfer vehicle (OTVs) where larger impulses are required. The 1N HT has a specific impulse (Isp) of >260s and delivered total impulse of more than 50,000 Ns.
5N LT Thruster
The 5N LT design enabled cheaper and faster manufacturability whilst still maintaining high performance. This thruster is designed for small satellite applications where their primary function would be orbit insertions, breaking maneuvers, and de-orbiting. The 5N LT thrusters have a specific impulse (Isp) of >260 seconds and delivered total impulse of up to 12,500 Ns.
5N HT Thruster
The 5N HT design enables high throughput and long firing times. The thruster is design for larger spacecraft and orbital transfer vehicle (OTVs) where larger impulses are required. The 5N HT has a specific impulse (Isp) of >260s and delivered total impulse of more than 125,000 Ns.
110N LT Thruster
Rubicon Space Systems is developing a 110N thruster prototype for NASA. Applications range from main engines for planetary orbit insertion, orbit boosting, deorbiting, and attitude control. Various stakeholders in both government and industry are interested in advancing the applications of ASCENT propellant to larger thrust classes. NASA specific applications include use in LEO, Cislunar space, and beyond.
APPLICATIONS
What it’s used for
Plasma Processes offers innovative products and services for highly demanding markets and is dedicated to providing customers with advanced materials solutions and enabling capabilities. We drive technology with engineered products and coatings for emerging technologies through the implementation of unique materials and processes.