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WASHINGTON — Small satellites have become a staple of military space programs because they are relatively inexpensive and quick to build. Many, however, have little or no ability to maneuver after reaching orbit. The Space Force is working with propulsion startup Parabilis Space Technologies on a system intended to expand the missions those spacecraft can perform.
California-based Parabilis said it has completed hot-fire testing of its Dense Orbital Transfer System, or DOTS, a 2U propulsion module roughly the size of a household toaster. The system uses a hybrid engine that combines solid fuel with a liquid oxidizer, an approach that aims to blend the storage advantages of solid propellants with the controllability and performance of liquid propulsion.
The Space Systems Command described DOTS as a “novel application of heritage space propulsion technology” being evaluated for future military applications.
“While cubesats are cost-effective and useful for one-off experimentation and short-term Earth observation or communications missions, they generally lack any ability to move once they are in space,” Space Systems Command said in a news release announcing the test.
The ability to maneuver allows satellites to avoid orbital debris, maintain formations with other spacecraft, reposition for new missions or operate in very low Earth orbit, where atmospheric drag shortens satellite lifetimes but can improve imaging resolution and communications performance.
DOTS uses what the company describes as a “cold start” capability, eliminating the need for a lengthy warm-up before firing and allowing operators to respond more quickly to changing conditions in orbit. Space Systems Command noted the system uses safe-to-handle solid propellants.
Parabilis’ chief executive Enrico Attanasio said DOTS “delivers a clear leap in cubesat propulsion performance.”
With ground testing complete, the company is looking to demonstrate the technology in orbit.
The goal now is to “conduct a flight demonstration at the earliest opportunity,” a company spokesperson said. “Both government and industry partners have expressed interest in partnering on a flight test. Once we have a definitive partner, we could be ready to fly in less than one year.”