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In-space propulsion specialist Busek has announced that over 100 of its BHT-350 Hall-effect thrusters are currently operating in orbit on OneWeb communications satellites. OneWeb is the largest customer for Busek’s Hall-effect thrusters, with the company delivering and placing them in orbit.

Busek’s increased production of thrusters came after Western sanctions prevented OneWeb from buying thrusters from Russian-based electric propulsion company EDB Fakel. Busek stepped in to fill the gap and has proven its manufacturing capability with the successful on-orbit commissioning of these thrusters on 80 OneWeb satellites.

The thrusters are responsible for tasks such as electric orbit-raising, collision avoidance, and station-keeping for the OneWeb satellite constellation. According to Busek, data obtained so far shows that all of the thrusters are operational.

Beyond its work with OneWeb, Busek has also been expanding its production capacity. Last year, the company doubled its production capacity to meet demand, and it is now producing 6-kilowatt Hall-effect thrusters for the NASA lunar Gateway Power and Propulsion Element, which is being built by Maxar Technologies.

Overall, the successful on-orbit commissioning of the BHT-350 thrusters on the OneWeb satellites is a significant milestone for Busek. The company’s manufacturing capability and supply chain have been validated, and it paves the way for more products to be incorporated into its manufacturing mix. Busek expresses gratitude to the teams at Airbus OneWeb Satellites, Airbus, and OneWeb for their support in reaching this achievement.

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