Focused ion beam technology has initially been developed in the 80s for nano-electronics applications such as nano-machinning.
Turning CNRS world-class expertise in ion sources for nanoelectronics towards space applications, our team has been working with CNES since 2017 to revolutionize electric propulsion. Based on patented technology, our unique design for ionic liquid electrospray thrusters is the next big thing in small satellites propulsion.
Faced with a growing need for thrusters, ION-X offers a revolutionary technology which is compact, versatile, inexpensive and industrial for the propulsion of small satellites. This technical and commercial challenge has never been met by current technologies and is becoming a key competitive issue.
This new type of electric propulsion based on the ejection of very fine, fully ionized particles solves the main current challenges: long life, high modularity and very competitive projected production costs compatible with mass production.