Courier SEP Buses
ExoTerra's Courier offers an end-to-end power and propulsion solution for CubeSats capable of delivering >1000 m/s delta-V and 300 W in a 12U form factor. If you are interested in our solar electric propulsion modules and buses or have questions, please contact us for more information.
ExoTerra’s Courier is a 12U solar electric propulsion module delivering up to 1270 m/s and 2U of payload in a 12U CubeSat. Courier is based on ExoTerra’s Halo electric propulsion system, which has inherently low size and weight suitable for CubeSats. Courier and the Halo EP system are powered by ExoTerra’s high-specific-power Fold Out Solar Arrays (FOSA). These arrays generate 296 W at BOL and mount to a single-axis gimbal to increase the orbit average power. Our unique 100 kRad radiation-tolerant Electric Power System bridges the power and propulsion with a lightweight and high-efficiency power distribution and processing unit. The system operates the Halo thruster and efficiently and reliably delivers power to components throughout the spacecraft.
2U of the 12U CubeSat is available for customer payloads. While the Halo thruster is not in operation, the extra power is available to drive high-power instruments and communications equipment, enabling applications not possible with other CubeSat buses.
Coming Soon
Courier 4000
ExoTerra’s Courier 4000 is a high-impulse solar electric propulsion module capable of microsatellite transfer from LEO to GEO, cislunar, and interplanetary destinations. With Courier 4000, microsatellites can now reach distant destinations from a dedicated small launch vehicle.
Courier’s 6000-11,000+ m/s ∆V offers the ability to optimize the mission orbit by adjusting inclination or to raise orbit altitude after a drop-off, while maintaining the ability to safely deorbit the spacecraft at end of life. In addition, the module’s high specific power solar arrays can deliver up to 1500 W of power to the payload when the thruster is not in use, expanding payload performance options and increasing telecommunications potential. Designed for interplanetary missions, the 100 kRad electronics offer extended mission lifetime and reliability to any mission.
A bus module can be added to the system to transform the stage into a full spacecraft bus for GEO or interplanetary missions. The bus module adds improved telecommunications, command and control, and GN&C capability. Contact ExoTerra for details.