ThrustMe is a trailblazer in the field of advanced in-orbit propulsion systems, Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Verrières-le-Buisson, France. The company specializes in developing innovative propulsion solutions for satellites, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and efficiency. ThrustMe’s core mission is to revolutionize space mobility by providing reliable and eco-friendly propulsion technologies. Collaborations with esteemed organizations like the French Space Agency (CNES) and the European Space Agency (ESA) underscore its commitment to advancing space exploration.
Technology & Innovation
ThrustMe has introduced groundbreaking technologies that set it apart in the aerospace industry. Notably, the company has developed the first iodine-fueled electric propulsion system, the NPT30-I2, which successfully operated in space aboard the Beihangkongshi-1 satellite in December 2020. This innovation offers a cost-effective and safer alternative to traditional xenon-based systems, as iodine is solid at room temperature, eliminating the need for high-pressure storage and reducing launch complexities.
Another significant advancement is ThrustMe’s novel Radio Frequency (RF) acceleration technique. This method allows for the extraction of both ions and electrons from the thruster, eliminating the need for a separate neutralizer. By replacing the constant electric field with an oscillating RF field, the system achieves efficient thrust while simplifying the propulsion architecture.
Products & Services
ThrustMe offers a suite of products tailored to meet the diverse needs of satellite operators and researchers:
- NPT30-I2: An iodine-fueled gridded ion thruster designed for small satellites, providing efficient and compact propulsion capabilities.
- JPT150: A high-thrust propulsion system suitable for larger satellites, offering enhanced maneuverability and mission flexibility.
- RCS: A Reaction Control System that enables precise attitude control and stabilization for spacecraft.
- LTA100: A plug-and-play particle generator that simulates ionospheric conditions, allowing for comprehensive testing of space hardware against environmental factors like atomic oxygen erosion and surface charging.
- Scientific Instruments: Including the Low Temperature Argon source (LTA), Matched Dipole Probe (MD1), Magnetic Ion Energy Analyser (MARFE-1), and Low Energy Retarding Field Energy Analyser (RFEA), these tools facilitate in-depth plasma research and hardware testing.
Recent Developments & Achievements
ThrustMe has achieved significant milestones in recent years:
- In February 2025, the company expanded into the North American market, securing partnerships with ten prominent U.S. and Canadian companies, including Starfish, Astro Digital, and Terran Orbital.
- Collaborating with ONERA and Airbus Defence and Space, ThrustMe initiated the IPISC project to explore iodine-based propulsion for satellites over 500 kg, aiming to evaluate interactions between iodine propulsion systems and various satellite materials.
- By June 2024, ThrustMe celebrated its first year of industrial-scale production, marking its leadership in producing the highest number of gridded ion thrusters and the only successfully in-orbit demonstrated iodine-fed propulsion system worldwide.
Future Prospects & Industry Impact
ThrustMe is composed to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of space exploration. Its innovative propulsion technologies offer scalable solutions for satellite mobility, collision avoidance, and de-orbiting, addressing the growing concerns of space debris and sustainability. By providing efficient and eco-friendly propulsion systems, ThrustMe contributes to the advancement of satellite constellations and deep space missions, reinforcing its position as a leader in the aerospace industry. ThrustMe’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in space propulsion positions it at the forefront of the aerospace sector.
