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.

Tesseract

Learn about Tesseract Space, a spacecraft propulsion company developing low-toxicity thrusters and integrated propulsion systems for satellite and orbital missions.

Tesseract Space is a space technology company developing chemical propulsion systems for satellites and spacecraft operating in Earth orbit and beyond. The company designs and manufactures low-toxicity thrusters, multi-thruster modules, and integrated propulsion systems that support spacecraft maneuvering, orbital adjustments, and mission operations. Its propulsion technology offers an alternative to traditional highly toxic propellants, while its modular hardware architecture allows spacecraft manufacturers to select individual components or complete propulsion solutions based on mission requirements.

Benchmark Space Systems

Benchmark Space Systems is an aerospace company that offers propulsion solutions for small satellite applications.

Benchmark Space Systems is a space technology company developing chemical and electric propulsion systems for satellites and spacecraft operating in Earth orbit. Its propulsion technologies include Halcyon high-test peroxide systems, Xantus metal plasma thrusters, and ASCENT monopropellant systems. These technologies provide spacecraft with maneuvering capabilities for orbit adjustments, station keeping, collision avoidance, and mission extension. The company develops integrated propulsion hardware for small satellites, orbital transfer vehicles, and spacecraft servicing missions.

Aurora Propulsion Technologies

Aurora Propulsion Technologies develops and provides innovative, reliable, and efficient propulsion solutions for small satellites.

Aurora Propulsion Technologies is a space technology company that develops propulsion and deorbiting systems for small satellites and CubeSats. Its products include water-based resistojet thrusters for orbit adjustments, attitude control, and collision avoidance, along with plasma brake technology designed to remove satellites from orbit at the end of their missions. The company’s Aurora Resistojet Modules and Aurora Plasma Brake systems support satellite maneuverability, mission lifetime management, and orbital debris prevention without requiring large propulsion systems.