High-Energy Logistics Stage

HELS (High-Energy Logistics Stage) is a scalable, high-energy propulsive kickstage that rapidly transfers ESPA-class spacecraft from typical small launch vehicle trajectories to orbits beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) within hours.

Benchmark was awarded a D2P2 SBIR to specifically design HELS to address the urgent need for timely responses to orbital threats, enabling rapid intercept capabilities. It will also support greater access to higher orbits, such as Geostationary Orbit (GEO), Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), cislunar space, and high-inclination orbits.

Advanced Propulsion Control

SmartAIM™ is an onboard Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) software layer that actively controls mobility subsystems and is tailored for Benchmark’s propulsion system offerings. SmartAIM™ uses embedded sensors and an inner-control loop for thrusters to provide continuous, refined propulsion control based on conditional settings programmed by spacecraft operators. SmartAIM™  can incorporate additional effectors, sensors, and data input to eliminate positioning and propulsion command latency to generate highly efficient maneuvers.

Aquila is a multi-technology, single asset kickstage solution, designed with a standard interface across spacecraft and launch vehicles to enable streamlined integration and standardized operation across any mission set.

Benchmark was awarded an SBIR/STTR Phase I to develop a preliminary design of a hybrid propulsion system inclusive of their 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.
 

Mission Applications:
Orbital transfer for small spacecraft
LEO ‣ GEO / LEO ‣ LLO / Novel Orbits
Residual capabilities 

System Shown Features:
4x 2N bipropellant HTP thrusters
Hall-Effect electric propulsion
Avionics
SmartAIM™
Power Management

RIPCORD (Resilient Independent Propulsive Controlled On-orbit Recovery Device), is a scalable solution for active debris remediation developed in partnership with Astroscale.
Benchmark received SBIR Ignite Phase I and II awards from NASA to explore commercial solutions for sustainable space challenges and chose Astroscale to partner in this effort for their expertise in on-orbit servicing. RIPCORD aims to offers cost-effective and scalable solutions for space sustainability and ISAM, driving the future of space.

At the conclusion of the development campaign, RIPCORD will be at a critical design level, ready for mission demonstration. In parallel, an economic feasibility study is ongoing to determine the viability of this approach compared to traditional debris removal CONOPS, with results expected later this year.

Features:
Independent propulsion system
SmartAIM™ GNC controller
Mechanical attachment
Power, comms, and data