Benchmark Space Systems, founded in 2017, is a full lifecycle in-space mobility provider that designs and builds propulsion systems for small satellites, offering solutions from mission planning through decommissioning. They provide turn-key chemical, electric, and hybrid propulsion systems for various spacecraft, including CubeSats and OTVs, operating in LEO, GEO, and beyond. Benchmark's products and services support on-orbit services like life extension, collision avoidance, and orbit adjustments, partnering with organizations requiring in-space mobility solutions. They also integrate partner technologies to provide a comprehensive suite of mobility solutions.
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Benchmark is working to secure development of its first test propulsion units in the next two or three months from 2022-05-24.
Benchmark Space Systems’ propulsion product and services suite supports spacecraft from 3U CubeSats through ESPA-class (3–500 kg) satellites, lunar landers, spent launcher stages, and orbital transfer vehicles.
Benchmark Space Systems will provide propulsion for ForgeStar-1, Space Forge’s first in-space manufacturing and return demonstration, under a contract announced 2022-05-24.
Benchmark Space Systems will work with U.K. startup Space Forge to develop reusable chemical propulsion systems.
Benchmark Space Systems now employs 50 people and is on track to hire 20 more by the end of the year and to employ 120 people by mid-2023.
Benchmark Space Systems’ larger Halcyon Avant green bipropellant thrusters are built in adjacent assembly areas and delivered to the company’s technology facility in Pleasanton, California.
Seven undisclosed government and commercial customers are scheduled to launch missions with Benchmark thrusters in 2022, with many missions including multiple spacecraft.
Benchmark Space Systems is preparing to open an office in the United Kingdom after signing its first contract there.
Benchmark Space Systems’ Starling and Halcyon engines feature thrusters with up to 2 newtons of thrust.
Over the next 18 months Benchmark Space Systems plans to produce more than 150 propulsion systems for government and commercial satellites destined for low Earth, geostationary, and cislunar orbit.
Benchmark Space Systems’ Halcyon high-test peroxide (HTP)-based propulsion system performed mission-critical maneuvers aboard three satellites that reached orbit on SpaceX Transporter 2.
Benchmark Space Systems supports spacecraft ranging from 3U CubeSats through ESPA-class (3-500 kg) satellites, lunar landers, spent launcher stages, and orbital transfer vehicles.
Benchmark Space Systems plans to build more than 150 propulsion systems over the next eighteen months.
SpaceX removed a Spaceflight Sherpa tug from the Falcon 9 Transporter-3 rideshare mission in December because the propulsion system provided by Benchmark Space Systems developed a leak.
Benchmark Space Systems positions its propulsion suite as offering far safer and faster rideshare options than electric propulsion systems, which can take months to complete trips to orbit.
Benchmark Space Systems is developing smaller scaled Halcyon Avant systems for commercial and government smallsat missions in several system configurations that are scheduled to be in space before 2022 ends.
Benchmark Space Systems’ scalable, launch-vehicle-agnostic propulsion product and services suite supports spacecraft ranging from 1U cubesats through ESPA-class (1–500 kg) satellites, lunar landers, spent launcher stages, and orbital transfer vehicles.
Benchmark’s Halcyon high-test peroxide (HTP)-based monopropellant system performed recent mission-critical maneuvers and will continue to support government and commercial missions across three satellites as part of the Halcyon heritage campaign that reached orbit on Transporter 2.
Benchmark’s Halcyon Avant system provides a 25% increase in fuel efficiency compared with state-of-the-art green monopropellants while using low-cost and readily available propellants.
Benchmark Space Systems’ Halcyon Avant thrusters provide improved performance compared with the hydrogen peroxide monopropellant thrusters the company previously developed and flew on several satellites.