Solution in Aerospace & Defense Industry: Satellite Thrusters
Customer Problem
More than a thousand satellites are launched into orbit every year, and this number is increasing due to the demand of mobile communications and GPS.
Satellites operate in a demanding environment with access constraints; thus, lifetime, quality and stability are essential.
- Limited erosion properties against plasma
- Stable operation over a wide power range (2,500 to 5,000 W)
- Wide operating temperature range (-65 / 310°C)
Our Solution
Our engineers collaborate with our customers in the development of a product that enables orbit raising and station-keeping by providing important weight savings versus conventional propulsion, excellent thrust to power ratio and withstanding large changes in temperature without failure.
Benefits
Kennametal provided high performance BN composite material suitable and qualified for the manufacture of plasma thrusters (Hall effect / propulsion) by providing extended life span of satellite compared to other materials.
Increased communications will require accelerated deployment of satellites. Kennametal is well positioned to meet this demand through our portfolio of solutions and contribute to the extended life of satellites.