Redwire and Phase Four agree to develop the Valkyrie System family of propulsion systems. Photo: Redwire

Redwire Space and Phase Four have a new strategic cooperation to jointly develop Hall effect thrusters (HETs). The companies announced Tuesday they are developing the Valkyrie System family of propulsion systems based on the NASA-designed H71M Hall effect thruster. 

The Valkyrie system will be designed to be re-programmable after launch; provide multiple set-points for optimization; and share extensive telemetry. The thrusters are anticipated to go into full rate production in 2025.

Phase Four CEO Steve Kiser said the propulsion solutions will be suited for both government and commercial customers, with a particular focus on Space Development Agency (SDA) missions. 

“Phase Four’s market differentiating capabilities and history of propulsion innovation, coupled with Redwire’s mission and engineering expertise, will meaningfully expand the types and volume of Hall effect thrusters to an industry that is increasingly challenged to deliver enough propulsion supply,” Kiser commented. 

Adam Biskner, Redwire’s president of Space Systems, said that Valkyrie will be a reliable, mass producible design to “meaningfully expand the types and volume of Hall effect thrusters to an industry that is increasingly challenged to deliver enough propulsion supply.”