4. Thrusters for communications satellites

Telecommunications satellites are large, often operating in geostationary orbit, and can exceed 5 t in mass. Since the 1990s, these satellites have used electric thrusters for station keeping and attitude control (antenna orientation). For the past 2 years, some manufacturers have been offering "all-electric" satellites in which all maneuvers, including orbit transfer, are performed by electric thrusters. This new segment, which today represents a very significant market for electric propulsion, is due to the increased power available on board satellites and the reliability of high-power thrusters (~ 5 kW). Two technologies currently share the market: mesh ion motors (MIGs) and Hall thrusters (PHs), although the higher thrust of PHs makes them more appropriate.