Accion System’s TILE 5000 thruster. Photo: Accion Systems.

Accion Systems and York Space Systems have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a standardized propulsion system for future use with York Space Systems’ spacecraft platform. As part of the intended partnership, Accion Systems will become a preferred provider of standardized propulsion systems, providing York’s customers with ion engine systems for their spacecraft missions.

Accion Systems has developed an in-space propulsion system based on a quarter-sized thruster chip that is scalable from nanosatellites to larger satellites. According to the company, these engines help satellites perform mission-critical orbital maneuvers.

Unlike other ion engines, Accion’s thrust-producing ions are supplied from ionic liquid propellant — a safe, non-toxic liquid salt. This new source of ions allows Accion to avoid the use of large ionization chambers, pressurized tanks, bulky valves, and external cathodes, reducing its propulsion systems’ size without sacrificing performance, power or reliability.