In accordance with a deal, Astra Space (Nasdaq: ASTR) will initially supply 5 Spacecraft Propulsion Kits for Apex’s satellite bus platform. The Spacecraft Propulsion Kits are anticipated to start arriving from Astra in 2023.
The thruster, power processing unit, feed system, and tank are the four subsystems of the Astra Spacecraft Engine module that are broken down by the Spacecraft Propulsion Kit. By taking advantage of reduced lead times, this disaggregation enables satellite manufacturers to acquire essential propulsion system components that they may tailor for their particular missions. By offering the resources and assistance needed to speed up the construction of spaceships on a large scale, Astra is emulating the way development kits have revolutionised the software sector and applying it to hardware.
Customers can customise Apex’s satellite buses to suit their unique mission requirements. The Astra Spacecraft Engine will assist the electric propulsion system of Apex’s 100 kilogramme bus type Aries. Due to Apex’s design for manufacturing methodology, interoperable software, and product-first philosophy, customers can receive their spacecraft in a matter of months.
“The Astra Spacecraft Engine has the flight heritage and performance we need to deliver our satellite platforms to customers on schedule,” stated Max Benassi, Chief Technology Officer of Apex. We anticipate working with suppliers like Astra, who can fulfil our production ramp speeds, as Apex grows production. Margo de Naray, General Manager of Astra Spacecraft Engines at Astra, stated that “Astra and Apex share the common value of producing space products at scale.” Customers like Apex should be able to deliver on client programmes more quickly thanks to Astra’s spacecraft propulsion kits.
