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Benchmark Propulsion Supports The Exploration Company’s Mission Possible: A Meaningful Step Forward in Controlled Re-Entry
The Exploration Company's Nyx capsule featuring
16x of Benchmark's 22N Ocelot bipropellant thrusters
Controlled atmospheric re-entry is among the most demanding maneuvers in spaceflight. It challenges every subsystem and tests engineering assumptions. The Exploration Company’s Mission Possible achieved many significant milestones, including successful launch, stable in-orbit operations, and a confirmed re-entry through blackout. While final communications were lost just before splashdown, these accomplishments represent meaningful progress toward fully operational return capabilities.
For Benchmark, Mission Possible was more than a mission name, it was a reflection of shared values and ambition. We were honored to collaborate with The Exploration Company from the start, working side by side to design and deliver a propulsion system tailored for this mission’s standards and objectives.
Our contribution was based on our heritage 22-newton Halcyon Avant bipropellant system, designed, tested and qualified at our Vermont headquarters. Shipping the system from our facility and completing on-site fueling at Vandenberg using our in-house-developed ground support procedures, were high points for our team.
The process reflects Benchmark’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance mobility solutions through a vertically integrated, end-to-end model. From initial concept to fueling, from qualification to in-flight performance, we aim to deliver confidence every step of the way.
While this flight did not conclude exactly as planned, we stand firmly in support of The Exploration Company’s team. Their transparency, resolve, and determination reflect what it takes to lead in this industry. Lessons from this mission will shape future successes—not just for them, but for the entire space community working toward sustainable, return-capable platforms.
To all who helped make this mission possible: thank you. At Benchmark, we remain focused on enabling bold missions, and proud to play our part in advancing the frontier of in-space mobility.
Additional Information:
UPDATE FROM TEC - Mission Possible: Re-Entry Milestone Achieved for Europe’s Reusable Spaceflight
INDUSTRY NEWS - The Exploration Company claims partial success of Mission Possible reentry spacecraft
VIDEO - System Deliveries Rolling Out of New Headquarters
PRESS RELEASE – The Exploration Company Selects Benchmark Space Systems Propulsion System To Power Its ‘Mission Possible’ Demonstrator Flight