Saturn Satellite Networks Inc. has selected Apollo Fusion propulsion systems for Saturn's NationSat geostationary communications satellites. The Apollo 1.4 kW ACE Max propulsion system will be used for orbit transfer to geosynchronous orbit and on-orbit station keeping on 15 year missions.
Saturn selected Apollo Fusion because Apollo's unique Electric Propulsion system supports the Saturn objectives to enable its NationSat small GEO sats to perform functions of much larger satellites, hence substantially reducing the barrier to spacecraft development and manufacturing.
"Apollo's EP system supports Saturn's objective to provide satellite ownership economics to emerging Third World nations and improve the economics of more established Satellite Owner Operators," noted Saturn CEO Jim Simpson.
Apollo CEO Mike Cassidy added, "We're thrilled to be selected by Saturn to provide electric propulsion for their NationSat small GEO sats. Saturn has always been focused on delivering very low cost satellites with lots of capacity. So our low cost, high performance ACE Max Hall thruster system is a great fit for their upcoming missions."
