MUNICH, Germany (October 13, 2022) — In-space mobility supplier Benchmark House Programs has been chosen by The Exploration Firm, a European start-up creating in-orbit exploration autos, to develop the propulsion system for its second demonstrator flight (‘Mission Doable’) which is about to launch in 2024. Beneath a collaborative settlement, Benchmark and The Exploration Firm will work collectively to develop an modern propulsion system that may make the most of non-toxic high-test peroxide propellant, consistent with The Exploration Firm’s long-term dedication in direction of reusability and sustainability. The system will probably be based mostly on Benchmark’s flight-proven Halcyon Avant propulsion system, that includes Benchmark’s 22N “Ocelot” bi-propellant (HTP + IPA) thrusters.
“We’re thrilled to convey our confirmed non-toxic propulsion options to energy The Exploration Firm’s upcoming in-orbit car demonstrator mission,” mentioned Ryan McDevitt, Chief Government Officer at Benchmark House Programs. Benchmark will probably be liable for the design, manufacturing, verification and supply of the propulsion tools and assemblies, such because the thruster meeting and the propellant tanks. The Exploration Firm will probably be liable for the design, verification and qualification of the general propulsion system, together with the coordination of the interface between the demonstration capsule ‘Nyx’ and the propulsion system.
The Exploration Firm scheduled its launch of the demonstration Mission Doable in 2024 with the primary goal to carry out a secure re-entry of the capsule that may host payloads from first prospects. Furthermore, the goal is to carry out a secure splash-down within the ocean, together with restoration. As a ultimate goal, The Exploration Firm appears to be like ahead to the demonstration of its propulsion capabilities throughout orbital flight, in addition to throughout re-entry, utilizing the aforementioned propulsion system. “Because of the collaboration with Benchmark House Programs, we can take a look at our know-how in an actual atmosphere that enables us to speed up and de-risk our know-how roadmap,” mentioned Jon Reijneveld, Chief Engineer at The Exploration Firm. “The propulsion system that will probably be developed for the demonstration mission will decrease the obstacles for the deliberate maiden flight of our orbital car Nyx Earth.”
About The Exploration Firm
The mission of the French-German firm is to democratize area exploration for area and non-space industries. To appreciate this mission, The Exploration Firm develops, manufactures, and operates Nyx, a modular and reusable orbital car which may be refuelled in orbit. Nyx serves the low Earth orbit (LEO) and lunar locations and begins with carrying cargo, with the expansion potential to fly people afterwards. The Exploration Firm was based in 2021 by skilled engineers and has raised one of many greatest Seed Collection in Europe backed by tier-one traders (Promus Ventures, Cherry, Vsquared). For extra info, go to exploration.area
About Benchmark House Programs
Benchmark House Programs is a full life cycle in-space mobility supplier, delivering merchandise and partnerships from mission planning by way of decommission. Based in 2017 to develop inexperienced propulsion applied sciences and produce versatile built-in options to the market, the workforce’s speedy progress and give attention to the accessibility and sustainability of a democratized area area has resulted in a product line up of turn-key propulsion methods for 3U CubeSat by way of ESPA and OTV class spacecraft in LEO, GEO, and past. Benchmark’s patented and proprietary improvements give attention to eliminating buyer pain-points and growing asset worth for unparalleled ROI. To discover how Benchmark might help enhance your mission, from speedy orbit insertion to superior RPO (Rendezvous and Proximity Operations). For extra info, go to www.BenchmarkSpaceSystems.com
