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Our legacy is one of innovation and success, and we’re not done yet. Read about our latest developments and industry news.
Desert Works Propulsion Announces Operational Launch of DW-1, a Rocket Engine Test Facility
New Facility Reduces Testing Costs While Advancing Electric Propulsion Innovations
New Mexico - December 10, 2024 - Desert Works Propulsion, leading provider of electric propulsion (EP) expertise as a service, proudly announces the launch of DW-1, its state-of-the-art vacuum test facility. Located in New Mexico, DW-1 is now fully operational, offering a highly cost-effective testing environment for electric propulsion thruster cathodes and components, supporting both internal development and client projects.
Designed, built, and implemented in-house, the rocket engine test facility represents a significant milestone for Desert Works Propulsion, which completed the project at just a quarter of the cost of purchasing a turnkey system. This achievement underscores the company’s dedication to delivering innovative, cost-efficient solutions that lower the barriers to electric propulsion technology.
Desert Works Propulsion and NASA Enter Property Loan Agreement to Advance Ion Engine Technology
Desert Works Propulsion (DWP) has executed a property loan agreement with NASA, granting access to their Annular Ion Engine (AIE) hardware. This collaboration aims to advance AIE technology under DWP's existing Research License Agreement with NASA, moving it toward Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9 for flight application.
"We appreciate this opportunity to advance the TRL of the AIE technology," said Michael Patterson, DWP’s Founder. "This loan agreement with NASA increases the likelihood of successful commercialization, with potential applications for NASA, commercial, and national security missions."
DWP has already invested over $300,000 in infrastructure, including $100,000 specifically for testing and analytical tools to develop the patented AIE technology. Learn more about the Annular Ion Engine.
Desert Works Propulsion Welcomes Kevin McCormick as Senior Master Technician
This Latest Appointment Enhances Desert Works Propulsion's Leadership, Reinforcing Its Expertise in Spacecraft Electric Propulsion Services and Innovations.
Desert Works Propulsion Chosen for NewSpace Ignitor Program: Breaking Barriers in Space Innovation
Desert Works Propulsion was selected to participate in the competitive NewSpace Ignitor program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to reduce barriers that space companies face in moving their concepts beyond R&D. Learn more about the program and the other participants.
Erosion Rate Measurements for DART Spacecraft Ion Propulsion System
Authors: Mark W. Crofton, Donner T. Schoeffler, Jason A. Young, Michael J. Patterson; August 2022
This article reviews the evaluation of real-time erosion characteristics of the NEXT ion engine under simulated flight conditions for the DART planetary defense mission, using a laser probe.
Unlocking the Potential of Annular Ion Engines
Author: Michael Patterson, August 2016
This article summarizes the technology development status of the Annual Ion Engine (AIE) and potential forward-paths for further concept maturation.
Engine Modular Design and Construction for Reduced Cost and Accelerated Development, Applying a User-Specified Design Process
Author: Michael Patterson, July 2020
This report describes a novel approach in modular design and construction for electric propulsion thrusters.
ICOPS Mini Course on Electric Propulsion; May, 2022
Author: Michael Patterson
The mini course for the 2022 IEEE Conference on Plasma Science (ICOPS) was on the topic of "Plasmas for Space Propulsion." The course included a talk presented by DWP on "Gridded-Ion Thrusters." Click below for a PDF copy of the presentation.