Xenon flow control module. Photo: NanoSpace

[Via Satellite 08-21-2014] The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected NanoSpace, an SSC company, to build a bigger version of the NanoSpace Xenon flow control product. Both Airbus and ESA have tested NanoSpace’ Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS)-based Xenon flow control technology, which directs Xenon to ion thrusters.

The improved larger model would enable more controllable electric propulsion systems for telecommunications satellites. The device today is at Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL-5).