Xantus metal plasma thruster
A tiny solid-state electric thruster for small satellites, with no tanks, valves or liquid fuel, used for pointing, station keeping and deorbiting.
Why it matters
Small satellites need some propulsion to avoid collisions and leave orbit at end of life, but often have no room for tanks. A thruster with no fluids is simpler to fit and safer to launch.
How the technology works
Xantus vaporizes a solid metal fuel into plasma in short pulses, which gives fine control of small pushes. It uses at most 45 volts DC and fits in about 0.6U.
Units can be grouped for more thrust. The technology is licensed from Alameda Applied Sciences.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction