NATICK, Mass., Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Busek Co., a leading manufacturer of high-performance electric propulsion technology for spaceflight, and Maxar Space Systems, a trusted partner and innovator in satellite manufacturing, confirmed today the successful delivery of all 6kW flight thrusters for the Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) subsystem of NASA's Lunar Gateway.
Scheduled for operation in a lunar Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO), the BHT-6000 Hall effect thrusters are part of the electric propulsion subsystem for the Maxar Space Systems-built Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) space vehicle. The vehicle features Maxar Space-built high-power control electronics, four Busek-built BHT-6000 Hall effect thrusters, feed system, and propellant storage. Together with three 12kW engines, the Maxar Space PPE system is 30 percent more powerful than any SEP system previously flown. Busek's thrusters help enable highly efficient electric orbit-raising, station-keeping, and maneuvering for the PPE Gateway.
"We're thrilled to have taken delivery of Busek's BHT-6000 electric thrusters for the Lunar Gateway Program," said Taylor Winkelmann, Maxar Space Systems' PPE Program Manager. "The SEP systems we evolved for PPE are amongst the highest power flight-qualified systems today, and they represent the state-of-art in their class."
The Maxar Space Systems PPE will provide power, maneuvering, attitude control, and communications systems for the lunar orbiting outpost. Gateway is a foundational part of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return America to the Moon and enable future crewed missions to Mars. The PPE is managed by NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, and Maxar Space Systems is working on the program from its facilities in Palo Alto and San Jose, California.
"Our effort with Maxar Space Systems started with the goal of high-performance, domestically sourced propulsion for GEO communication spacecraft. We adjusted that goal post to include human-rated deep space missions under NASA's Artemis Lunar Gateway. With the first BHT-6000 flight deliveries complete, we can now offer the same solution for any high-power mission, whether for communications, human-rated space stations, orbital tugs, life-extension vehicles, and so on," said Vlad Hruby, President and Founder of Busek.
About Busek Co. Inc.
Busek is a US leader in the development and high-volume manufacture of high-performance in-space thrusters, sensors, and subsystems. From technology pathfinders to turnkey systems for satellite constellations, Busek's products provide thrust for a range of challenging government and commercial missions. Busek's broad technology portfolio, experience across multiple space propulsion disciplines, and unique manufacturing, test, and flight expertise, enable it to provide unbiased solutions to best fit customer needs. For more information visit www.busek.com.
About Maxar Space Systems
Maxar Space Systems is a leading satellite manufacturer and provider of advanced solutions for space exploration. We deliver innovative solutions to commercial and government customers helping them unlock the promise of space to solve problems on Earth and beyond. We address a broad spectrum of needs for our customers, including mission systems engineering, product design, spacecraft manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing. Maxar Space Systems is a trusted partner in commercial and government missions, combining more than 65 years of deep mission understanding and industry leading performance. For more information, visit www.maxar.com.
SOURCE Busek Co. Inc.
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