ThrustMe, Marble Imaging, and Reflex Aerospace have formed a strategic three-way partnership for an in-orbit demonstration (IOD) of the JPT150, the world’s first low-power iodine Hall thruster system. The propulsion system will be integrated into MIRI, a high-performance Earth observation satellite developed by Reflex Aerospace for Marble Imaging, where it will provide the precise orbit control and maneuvering capabilities needed to support Marble’s daily, very-high resolution imaging objectives.
The partnership represents a significant commercial collaboration between three European companies in the small satellite constellation market. With Reflex providing the spacecraft platform and integration, Marble leading satellite operations and IOD execution, and ThrustMe supplying the JPT150 propulsion unit, the collaboration demonstrates how combining mature technologies with agile development can bring next-generation capabilities to orbit quickly and efficiently.
The JPT150 Hall thruster builds on ThrustMe's space-proven NPT30-I2 propulsion system, incorporating successfully demonstrated subsystems that have accumulated over 12,000 hours of successful in-space operations across more than 100 systems that have been launched to space to date. Like the NPT30-I2, the JPT150 uses iodine as propellant, offering key advantages in storage, handling, performance, and system compactness. The JPT150 has been successfully tested on-ground in a fully integrated prototype, validating its targeted performance levels across thrust, specific impulse, and power efficiency under representative operational conditions. This proven technological foundation reduces development risk while enabling advanced maneuvering capabilities for larger satellite constellations.
The agile approach of all three European companies, combined with the mature technology foundation, enables the partnership to move from a collaboration agreement in July 2025 to an in-orbit demonstration in 2026. This accelerated development cycle reflects the efficiency gains possible when proven technology meets strategic commercial partnerships.
"This collaboration shows the agility and innovation driving the New Space economy," said Ane Aanesland, CEO of ThrustMe. "By building on our proven iodine propulsion heritage, we're able to rapidly advance Hall thruster technology while maintaining the reliability standards our customers depend on. The JPT150 represents the next evolution in sustainable space propulsion."
"Working with ThrustMe and Reflex allows us to integrate cutting-edge propulsion capabilities into our satellite operations and to extend the operational lifetime of the MIRI satellite, maximising mission value. This collaboration showcases the power of strategic partnerships in advancing commercial space missions," said Robert Hook, CEO of Marble Imaging.
"This partnership shows how space companies can quickly innovate when we combine specialized expertise. The combination of proven technology and agile development approaches enables us to bring advanced capabilities to market efficiently," said Sascha Weiss, Space Mission Manager at Reflex Aerospace.
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