GREEN PROPULSION FOR ANY SATELLITE
Hello, World!
Turn-key propulsion systems for 30 kg to 500+ kg satellites. Through standardised interfaces and flexible form factors, we deliver purpose-built systems — fast.
All systems include thrusters, tanks, valves, instruments, and control electronics. We’re a full-service partner, working with you wherever you need us, from initial design to on-orbit commissioning and operations.
Benefits of Chemical Propulsion
High thrust
Lower power
Modular
Scalable - 30 kg to 500+ kg satellites
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Physical
Turn-key systems
All systems include thrusters, tanks, tubing, health monitoring, control electronics, and structuresPropellants
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
Propylene (C3H6)Pressurization
Self-pressurising. Propellants are stored as liquified gases under their vapor pressureForm factor
Standardised interfaces, flexible form factors. Adjust to volume, layout, and keep-out zone requirementsThrusters
Select QTY and thrust class(es). All connect to the same tank and control systems. Operate together or independentlyTank options
Type 1: All metallic. 3D printed using Inconel or Titanium
Type 3: Metallic liner with full, wound carbon-epoxy overwrap
Additional SpecificationsEnvironmental
Operational temperature
23°F to 86°F (-5°C to 30°C)Survival temperature
-22°F to 104°F (-30°C to 40°C)Regulatory
ITAR free and REACH compliantLauncher compliance
SpaceX Payload (Oct 2022) user’s guide. Please enquire for all other launchersPerformance
Total impulse
5,000 to 500,000+ N.s
Scalable in size and configurationThrust range
0.46 to 1.28 N (0.11 to 0.30 lbf) per B1 thruster
6.1 to 16.7 N (1.37 to 3.75 lbf) per B20 thrusterIsp, vac
250 to 280 s
Depending on system-level configurationInterfaces
Data
CAN bus, RS-485, or RS-422Supply voltage
Digital: 5.0 to 5.20 VDC
Actuators: 24.50 to 33.20 VDCServices
Full-service list
Off-the-Shelf or Customised Systems
Work with our engineers to create a custom system tailored to your requirements or leverage our extensive mission heritage by selecting a standardized design.
Reduced non-recurring engineering. Reduced costs. Reduced lead times.
Standard lead time: 6 months for recurring systems.
SD5 - 5kNs Class SatDrive
SD7 - 7kNs Class SatDrive
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Total impulse - 5,000 N.s
Mass - 5 kg (dry), 7.5 kg (wet)
Volume (adjustable) - 36 x 31 x 15 cm
Variations - Two Completed -
Thrusters: 4x B1 thrusters
Tanks (Type 1 - Inconel): 1x Oxidizer, 1x Fuel
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Total impulse - 7,600 N.s
Mass - 7 kg (dry), 11 kg (wet)
Volume (adjustable) - 87 x 42 x 10 cm
Variations - One Completed -
Thrusters: 1x B1 thrusters
Tanks (Type 1 - Inconel): 3x Oxidizer, 1x Fuel
SD70 - 70kNs Class SatDrive
SD15 - 15kNs Class SatDrive
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Total impulse - 70,000 N.s
Mass - 20 kg (dry), 50 kg (wet)
Volume (adjustable) - 70 x 70 x 48 cm
Variations - Two Completed -
Thrusters: 5x B20 thrusters
Tanks (Type 1 - Titanium): 4x Oxidizer, 4x Fuel
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Total impulse - 14,500 N.s
Mass - 11.3 kg (dry), 17.7 kg (wet)
Volume (adjustable) - 27 x 25 x 45 cm
Variations - One Completed
Further variations available - contact us. -
Thrusters: 4x B1 thrusters
Tanks (Type 1 - Inconel): 1x Oxidizer, 1x Fuel
Nodes: 1 Controller, 6 Peripheral
Frame: In-house design. Easy bolt-on style for customer.
Custom Systems
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Customize to achieve:
Dedicated impulse performance (within volume constraint, as possible)
Dedicated control authority
Dedicated thrust performance
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Thrusters
Tanks
Nodes
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Standard lead time: 6-18months
See our building block methodology below enabled by additive manufacturing, in-house technological capabilities and in-house testing facilities.
25+ customers across the globe, from United States to France, India, Japan, Italy, German, Netherlands, Korea and more.
SELF PRESSURISING
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) and Propene (C₃H₆)
High Performance
Cold-start capable; 12,000+ restarts
Pulse-mode capable
Cold-gas mode
Low power
Non-toxic
Easy to handle
Lower risk
Ride-share friendly
Self-pressurized
No separate pressurization system and no regulators
Domestically available
Fuel (C₃H₆)
Oxidiser (N₂O)
Less parts = more reliability
Additively manufactured: fewer interfaces, fewer seals
Spark ignition
No catalysts
Modular SatDrive Systems - How it Works
Dawn’s range of standardized components are assembled into various form factors to meet your mission requirements.
Different requirements?
We will be glad to work on a customized solution with you.
Plug-and-Play Components
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Our core building block.
1N + 20N components, scaled together to offer a wide range of possible thrust configurations.B20 (20N bipropellant) & B1 (1N bipropellant) thruster).
Learn More -
Our fully standardised thrusters can be grouped and arranged to meet different requirements but cannot be customised.
Learn more about our thrusters
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We offer teardrop, toroidal, and capsule tanks.
Additively manufactured in inconel or titanium in various sizes.
Composite tanks currently in development for larger sizes.
OptionsType 1:
All metallic. 3D printed Inconel or TitaniumType 3: Metallic liner with full, wound carbon-epoxy overwrap
Propellant storage
Stored separately. No pre-mixed propellants.Pressurization
Self-pressurisingValves
Pressure relief valves on tanksHeaters
Polyimide flexible heaters on each tank and feedline. -
We have standardised our design and qualification process for tanks meaning customisation is possible with minimal NRE time.
Size range
0.8L - 10L
Larger sizes in development
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Modular control electronics design utilizes a main controller node to interface with the satellite, and downstream nodes for subsystems.
This ensures the interface between the propulsion module and satellite is kept constant, even when the propulsion module design changes in successive generations.
Interfaces
Data
CAN bus, RS-485 or RS-422Power
5.0 to 5.20 VDC (Digital/logic supply rail)24.50 to 33.20 VDC (Actuator supply rail)Engineering model / flatsat
Represents power, data, and software interfaces for HIL testing -
Modular components can be scaled up or down for different system sizes.
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In-house configured to meet your requirements.
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Feed Lines
Valves
Software
Thrusters
Our standardised thrusters for scalable, modular SatDrive systems.
- 20N
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The B20 thruster assembly includes the thruster body, valves, and control electronics.
The thruster body is additively manufactured as a single structure using Inconel 718 and includes the injector, combustion chamber, and nozzle. Isolation valves are included upstream of the firing valves for added redundancy.
Health monitoring instrumentation includes an integrated and isolated thermocouple and chamber pressure sensor.
With standard data and power interfaces, thrusters are easy to command and operate.
The B20 is also operable under ambient conditions to enable fast turnaround ground testing.
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Physical
Thruster dimensions
176 x 80 x 79 mm
6.93 x 3.15 x 3.11 inDry mass
600 g
1.32 lbmNozzle expansion ratio
100:1Valves
Normally-closed solenoid
Four per thruster (firing and isolation)Interfaces
Mounting
3x M5 threaded holesPerformance
Thrust, range
6.1 to 16.7 N (1.37 to 3.75 lbf)Minimum impulse bit
Bi-prop: 1 N.s (0.22 lbf.s)
Cold-gas: 50 mN.s (0.01 lbf.s)Ignition
Spark-based igniterPulse frequency
4 HzRestarts
11,000+ per thrusterControl
Operable together or independently
Select your desired quantity
Pair with B1 thrusters.Firing modes
Bi-prop & cold-gas. Switch at will. Managed by not engaging the spark-ignitor.Cold-start capable
Yes. Highly repeatable -
Download PDF and STEP files here.
- 1N
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Available in various form factors, the B1 thruster is currently utilized as the central thruster in Dawn’s CubeDrive propulsion modules and as a modular building block within Dawn's turn-key SatDrive systems. They can be positioned throughout the spacecraft, in clusters, and at various cant angles.
The B1’s assembly includes the thruster body, valves, and control electronics.
Thruster bodies are additively manufactured as a single structure using Inconel 718 and include the injector, combustion chamber, and nozzle.
Health monitoring instrumentation includes an integrated and isolated thermocouple and chamber pressure sensor. With standard data and power interfaces, thrusters are easy to command and operate.
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Physical
Thruster dimensions
108 x 79 x 40 mm
4.25 x 3.11 x 1.58 inDry mass
260 g
0.57 lbmNozzle expansion ratio
100:1Valves
Normally-closed solenoid
Two per thrusterInterfaces
Mounting
4x 3.2mm holes.Performance
Thrust, range
0.49 to 1.35 N (0.11 to 0.30 lbf)Minimum impulse bit
Bi-prop: 74 mN.s (0.016 lbf.s)
Cold-gas: 1.4 mN.s (3.1e-4 lbf.s)Ignition
Spark-based igniterPulse frequency
4 HzRestarts
18,000+ per thrusterControl
Operable together or independently
Select your desired quantity
Pair with B20 thrustersFiring modes
Bi-prop & cold-gas. Switch at will. Managed by not engaging the spark-igniterCold-start capable
Yes. Highly repeatable -
Tanks
Qualified for SpaceX rideshare per AIAA-S-080 (Type 1), AIAA-S-081 (Type 3), and ECSS-E-St-32-02C
Type 3- COPV
Aluminium Liner and Composite Overwrap
DA19.01
Type 1 - Metal
Inconel 718
Titanium
DA31.01 and DA31.06
DA31.05
DA31.04
DA31.03 and DA31.03
Constant Development
Storage Capacity from 0.8L to 33L
Orientation Flexibility
Lead Time
6 Month - Qualified Tanks
12 Month - Custom Tanks
DEFINING FEATURES
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High Performance Propulsion
Experience significant time and power savings by switching to spark-based ignition, allowing you to conduct cold-start to full thrust firings in under 100ms.
Achieve rapid response, high performance exactly when needed by removing sensitive catalysts.
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Dual Firing Modes
Unique for rendezvous and proximity operations, all thrusters can operate in both a bi-propellant and cold-gas mode by controlling the spark igniter.
Even with large thrusters, achieve tiny impulse bits for RPO, fine pointing, and servicing
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A Unified Architecture
All Dawn systems use the same highly scalable N₂O/C₃H₆ architecture.
Select your desired thruster quantity and thrust class(es), tank size, and interface, then let us do the rest.
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Rideshare Friendly
Dawn’s propulsion systems have flown on almost every SpaceX Transporter mission to date, Starlink rideshare, and Arianespace’s Vega rideshare.
Learn more about our safe failure modes and why launchers like what we’re building.
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Less parts = higher reliability
Propellants are self-pressurising and don't require external pressurants, high-pressure regulators, or mechanical PMDs.
There are no rare-Earth materials, catalyst beds, or proprietary propellants.
The result: low part count, low weight, low cost, and high reliability. -
Domestic Propellant Suppliers
N₂O + C₃H₆ widely available from domestic suppliers.
ITAR-free and REACH-compliant, avoid the international supply chain, export control, and cost issues of proprietary propellant blends.
CubeSat propulsion systems and bolt-on collision avoidance kits for ESPA-class satellites. Each CubeDrive includes a B1 thruster, tanks, valves, and control electronics. Structures are 3D printed as a single monolithic piece using Inconel, including fuel and oxidizer tanks. Health monitoring instrumentation includes various thermocouples and pressure sensors.
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Status
In spaceThruster
One B1 thrusterTotal impulse
402.5 Ns
90.5 lbf.sMass (dry / wet)
1080 g / 1275 g
2.38 lbm / 2.81 lbmDimensions
80 x 96 x 96 mm
3.15 x 3.78 x 3.78 inPropellants
Nitrous oxide (N2O) and
Propylene (C3H6)Tank type
Type 1: All metallic, 3D printedData
CAN busSupply voltage
Digital: 5 to 5.2 VDC, and
Actuators: 12 VDC unregulatedOperational temperature
-5°C to 30°C (23°F to 86°F)Survival temperature
-30°C to 40°C (-22°F to 104°F)
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Status
In developmentThruster
One B1 thrusterTotal impulse (~)
1450 N.s
325 lbfsMass (dry / wet)
2050 g / 2700 g
4.52 lbm / 5.95 lbmDimensions
200 x 96 x 96 mm
7.87 x 3.78 x 3.78 inPropellants
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
Propylene (C3H6)Tanks
Type 1: All metallic, 3D printedData
CAN busSupply voltage
Digital: 5 to 5.2 VDC, and
Actuators: 12 VDC unregulatedOperational temperature
-5°C to 30°C (23°F to 86°F)Survival temperature
-30°C to 40°C (-22°F to 104°F)
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Pixxel - Constellation Customer
Pixxel launch x3 Dawn Aerospace Satdrives on hyperspectral constellation of Fireflye satellites. More to launch!
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Transporter 12
Dawn hits milestone of over x100 thrusters launched to orbit, with the latest SpaceX Rideshare launch.
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New Customer: Infinite Orbits
Dawn propulsion to be used for Europe’s first satellite servicing initiative in Geostationary Orbit (GEO).
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Hotfire and Hardware Delivery
Hotfire and hardware delivered to deep space mining customer, Astro Forge
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DFT Refueling Port Development
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Trade Study - Nitrous
Transitioning space propulsion to a nitrous-based industry standard
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Why Nitrous Could Work for Your
A comparison of electric and chemical propulsion in the era of low launch costs.
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Nitrous-Based In-Space Propellants
After decades of development in green propulsion of various kinds, we are seeing the first substantial industry-wide uptake of nitrous-based propulsion as a replacement for hydrazine.
DESIGN, DELIVERY, & SUPPORT 🚀
Mission design
Whether you want orbit insertion, phasing, stationkeeping, debris avoidance, life extension, momentum management, de-orbiting, or all the above, we’ll help you with mission success.
Engineering support
Although our systems all use a unified architecture, we know that satellite builders have different needs. That’s why we give engineering support to all our customers.
Production
High-volume and high-cadence production. State-of-the-art additive manufacturing with lean production methodology. In-house 5-axis machinery and cleanrooms.
Accelerated schedules
Enabled by vertically integrated capabilities of engineering, manufacturing, and testing.
Environmental qualification
In-house hot-fire and hydrostatic test facilities. Access to world-class test facilities for thermal cycling, shock, 3-axis vibration, and radiation testing.
Acceptance testing
In-house vacuum chambers and ambient test setups for hot-fire and full hardware-in-the-loop tests. Standardized and well-defined test procedures and quality assurance plans.
Export
Global export licenses, exporting from New Zealand and The Netherlands. Flown on satellites launched aboard 🇺🇸 and 🇪🇺 vehicles.
Launch-site fueling support
Dawn provides worldwide support for satellite fueling and propellant sourcing, whether at the launch site or your own premises.
On-orbit commissioning
We don’t just deliver you hardware, a few ICDs, then leave you to it. We are a full-service partner by your side the entire way.