Benchmark Awarded NASA SBIR to Fund Small Spacecraft Transfer Stage Development

Last week NASA announced their SBIR/STTR Phase I awardees, naming Benchmark to receive funding in this highly competitive program.

Benchmark was selected to develop a preliminary design of a hybrid propulsion system inclusive of our flight-proven high-test peroxide (HTP) bipropellant subsystem (Halcyon Avant), advanced control electronics and SmartAIM™ GNC software layer, a partner-supplied electric propulsion system, and other commercial off-the-shelf subsystems. The multi-technology, single asset kick stage solution will be designed with a standard interface across spacecraft and launch vehicles to enable streamlined integration and standardized operation across any mission set.

This award validates the industry’s need for our universal integration approach of heritage propulsion systems and complementary technologies to augment existing solutions.

"The value in having an in-space propulsion leader with multi-technology integrations, and orbit transfer mission experience is critical in maximizing pace and efficiency of a deployable solution to these long transfer challenges. A multi-mode or multi-technology solution provides the optimal maneuver capability; of which Benchmark has experience optimizing bulk impulse needs across multiple propulsion subsystems for advanced missions; which will be necessary to provide both the speed, endurance, and form factor required in a small spacecraft transfer stage.” Kevin DiMarzio, Benchmark’s Director of Business Development

Read more about NASA's SBIR Program and the awardees.