A Closer Look at Enpulsion’s Scalable Propulsion Portfolio
Summary:
Space missions scale rapidly, but traditional propulsion systems often create delays with complexity and integration hurdles. Enpulsion takes a different approach: modular, plug-and-play electric propulsion. Designed with scalability at its core, Enpulsion’s FEEP-based units — the Nano Lark for CubeSats and smaller platforms, and the Nexus Osprey for ESPA-class spacecraft — offer standardized mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces that streamline procurement, integration, and supply chain management. With clustering capabilities, these propulsion solutions scale seamlessly from formation flying CubeSats to constellation-class missions. By simplifying integration and future-proofing propulsion stacks, Enpulsion enables spacecraft developers to accelerate timelines, preserve payload space, and unlock mission flexibility.
Space missions are evolving faster than ever. What starts as a demonstration can quickly grow into a full constellation. And when that happens, propulsion can quickly become the bottleneck.
Traditional systems often add complexity, inconsistent interfaces, and integration hurdles. That slows progress — usually when your missions can least afford a delay.
Enpulsion takes a different approach. From the start, we designed our propulsion systems with modularity as a fundamental design feature. Adaptability isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Let’s explore how Enpulsion’s modular systems — the Nano Lark and Nexus Osprey — can be tailored or clustered to meet a broad spectrum of spacecraft sizes and operational profiles.
Scalable electric propulsion: How is it possible?
Enpulsion’s FEEP-based architecture is modular by design. Each propulsion unit is fully self-contained, so the electronics, emitters, and fuel tanks are all in one small enclosure, with a single plug on the side.
The software interfaces are all standardized, so no extra programming is required for individual systems to communicate with each other or other components.
Together, these innovations allow each unit to integrate seamlessly across diverse satellite buses, power budgets, and mission profiles. And when missions demand more, units can be stacked or clustered to deliver the required thrust.
In practice, it’s pure plug-and-play: consistent mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces streamlined into a single cable connection.
The benefits of scalable electric propulsion
Enpulsion’s purposeful plug-and-play approach offers three significant advantages for spacecraft developers:
Streamlined Procurement: A unified propulsion platform across satellite classes reduces sourcing complexity and accelerates qualification.
Integration Efficiency: Standardized mounting, harnessing, and control logic simplify design and testing workflows.
Supply Chain Agility: Modular systems enable faster delivery timelines and easier inventory management — even as mission requirements evolve.
Let’s take a closer look at specific propulsion systems.
Nano Lark: Ideal for CubeSats and smaller platforms
Built on the flight-proven legacy of our original Nano, the Nano Lark is ideal for CubeSats, small microsats, and formation-flying spacecraft. Designed to operate at power levels as low as 10 W, it delivers thrust in the micronewton to millinewton range, with total impulse capacities tailored for station-keeping, formation flying, and orbital adjustment in platforms as small as 3U.
The Nano delivers more than propulsion — it also enables attitude control. Clustered together, multiple units scale thrust and provide directional control across any axis.
Beyond performance, this model is engineered for streamlined integration. Its compact footprint, low thermal impact, and straightforward electrical interface simplify hardware and software integration.
Whether you're building a 6U CubeSat or a formation-flying 12U platform, the Nano Lark’s minimal mass and volume overhead help preserve valuable payload space without compromising propulsion capability.
Nexus Osprey: Scalable propulsion for ESPA-class platforms
The Nexus Osprey is Enpulsion’s alternative to Hall Effect thrusters for the SmallSat class. Delivering up to 1.7 millinewtons of thrust — five times the force of a Nano unit — it offers up to 30,000 newton-seconds of total impulse while maintaining a specific impulse of up to 4,500 seconds, allowing operators to execute major maneuvers without compromising propellant efficiency.
Like the Nano, this unit was designed to be clustered or scaled easily. Typical applications include orbit raising and station-keeping for 180–500 kg spacecraft, constellation operations that demand standard hardware across multiple vehicle types, and deep-space missions where reliable electric propulsion is mission-critical.
Integration is streamlined for the Nexus, too. It offers the same plug-and-play convenience as the rest of our portfolio, but it also boasts a mechanical design that fits standard 15-inch ESPA rings, making it easy to install directly onto traditional satellite architectures.
Power your next mission with scalable propulsion
For in-depth specs on either of these products, explore our data sheets. And when you’re ready, we’re here to help with modular solutions engineered to get you into orbit faster. Our experts are always ready to discuss your mission and see how FEEP propulsion can support it.
Let’s simplify integration and future-proof your propulsion stack. Contact us to configure a tailored solution today.
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Who is Enpulsion
Enpulsion is expanding satellite mobility and maneuverability. With proven industrial expertise and in-flight heritage, we push the boundaries of what’s possible for the near-earth economy, constantly innovating to provide simple, reliable technology that meets our customers’ evolving needs.
