Stage Four
Thrust Propellants
The Noble Work of Industrial Gases
To keep or shift their orbits, satellites require frequent repositioning. After initial launch, satellites and other spacecraft use high-efficiency electric propulsion to reach and maintain desired orbits as well as to de-orbit at end-of-life use. Xenon and Krypton are currently preferred gases, while Argon may be used in some systems. In addition to supplying propellant-grade gas, Linde provides specialized equipment to load rare gases into the satellite propulsion system.
Rare Gases and Ion Drive Thrusters
Solar electric power ionizes the select rare gas to a plasma which is then accelerated to extreme velocities to provide thrust. High efficiency allows a small inventory of gas propellant to last several years, allowing larger active payloads and significantly lower mission costs. The ions are neutralized and then thrust out in a jet. Ion thrusters allow for either a lighter payload or a longer operation time. Satellites used for global communications and sensing will demand large supplies of rare gases for ion drives.