Ion-X

Learn about ION-X, a French aerospace company developing ionic liquid electrospray thrusters for satellite propulsion, orbital maneuvering, and spacecraft operations.

ION-X is a French aerospace technology company developing electric propulsion systems for small satellites using ionic liquid electrospray technology. Its HALO-100X thruster accelerates charged particles through an electric field to generate propulsion without conventional chemical combustion or pressurized propellant storage. The system supports orbital maneuvering, station-keeping, collision avoidance, and spacecraft end-of-life management. ION-X completed an in-orbit firing demonstration in May 2025 and announced deliveries of additional propulsion units for satellite missions in 2026. Its technology builds on nanoscience research involving focused ion sources and electrohydrodynamic propulsion.

Enpulsion

Enpulsion is a space technology company based in Austria that has quickly become a dominant player in the space industry.

Enpulsion is a space propulsion company developing electric thrusters for satellite maneuvering, orbital positioning, and spacecraft mobility. Its technology uses Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP), which accelerates ions from an indium metal propellant to generate precise thrust without conventional pressurized fuel tanks. The company’s propulsion portfolio includes Nano R³, Micro R³, and Nexus systems for spacecraft of different sizes. Enpulsion also develops the Cortex mobility interface for integrating propulsion controls with spacecraft systems. Its technology supports satellite constellation operations, precision positioning, collision avoidance maneuvers, and end-of-life orbital management.

Astra

Astra provides dedicated small launches and mission-critical on-orbit mobility to smallsat builders and operators around the world.

Astra is a space technology company developing orbital launch vehicles and satellite propulsion systems for commercial and government space missions. Its Rocket 4.0 launch vehicle is designed to transport small satellites into low Earth orbit using a mobile launch system. The company also manufactures electric propulsion systems that use xenon or krypton propellants for satellite maneuvering, orbit maintenance, and spacecraft operations. Astra’s technologies support satellite constellations, responsive launch missions, and orbital mobility.