ATHENA
A modular electrospray thruster for small satellites, offered in PICO and NANO sizes, that lets them change orbit, avoid collisions and deorbit at the end of their lives.
Why it matters
Very small satellites have little power to spare. Electrospray thrusters get more thrust per watt than many alternatives, so a cubesat can still raise its orbit and deorbit.
How the technology works
ATHENA sprays ions from a liquid-salt propellant using a strong electric field. Modules can be combined for orbit changes, collision avoidance, life extension or deorbiting.
SpaceNews reported the thruster fired for nearly 400 hours during an ESA preliminary design review in 2024.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction