TIE-20 ENGINE

The thrust density of a Hall-Effect Thruster meets the efficiency and lifetime of a Gridded Ion Thruster

In partnership with Turion Space Corporation, Desert Works Propulsion developed the Turion Ion Engine (TIE-20), a Gridded Ion Thruster (GIT) poised to disrupt the electric propulsion market. The TIE–20 Thruster is raising the bar and surpassing expectations—leveraging the advantages of a Gridded Ion Thruster and the higher thrust density of a Hall-Effect Thruster to deliver a superior system: longer lifetime, high specific impulse, and heightened reliability.

ACCEPTING ORDERS

2025

• Q3

• 2025 • Q3 •

GRIDDED ION THRUSTERS

Gridded Ion Thrusters (GITs) excel in primary propulsion for geocentric and heliocentric space missions, showing consistent performance and lifespan alignment in both ground testing and space operation, setting them apart from other Electric Propulsion (EP) thrusters. However, their full potential remains untapped in Earth-orbital applications, creating a significant market opportunity. The TIE-20 will address this gap.

10x More
Total Impulse
than other
EP tech

Benefits

Most versatile and efficient use of propellant among any EP technology
Highest highest total impulse, nearly 10x any other EP technology
Widest power throttling range among EP thrusters, with a single device capable of throttling by up to ~10X
Represents a low-risk technology due to comprehensive understanding of potential uncertainties
As spacecraft power-to-mass ratios increase, GIT technology is the only feasible technology option for specific impulse values exceeding 3,000 seconds
Superior total impulse, efficiency, and specific impulse (Isp) make GITs ideal for missions requiring sustained maneuverability.

MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY + RELIABILITY

Turion Ion Engine-20 System

TRANSFORMING

SPACECRAFT ELECTRIC PROPULSION

Together, Desert Works Propulsion and Turion Space are the exclusive providers of high-power Gridded Ion Thrusters in the US, and our TIE-20 is poised to become the most advanced GIT system ever developed.

It offers an entirely new performance class for the commercial market, all at commercial prices. The TIE-20 system, which includes the thruster, power processing unit, controller, and propellant management system, bridges performance and capability gaps among current EP options.

GROUNDBREAKING DESIGN

The TIE-20 incorporates all the advanced technological features of NASA's state-of-the-art GITs, including the NEXT—then raises the bar with cutting-edge enhancements.

Experience the unmatched performance and cost-effectiveness of the TIE-20 – there's simply no commercial alternative like it. Contact us today.

The novel all-carbon ion optics assembly and internal components deliver over 10 MN-sec total impulse, surpassing leading EP thrusters by an order of magnitude and outperforming state-of-the-art HETs by 50x.
Optimized for Krypton, the TIE-20 delivers significantly higher total delta-V per dollar than alternatives. Considering future refueling, it’s more cost-effective for long-term maintenance than Xenon and Iodine thrusters, due to lower propellant and launch mass costs per delta-V.
Our second-generation TIE-20 thruster incorporates a breakthrough device which enables thrust-to-power ratios approaching that of Hall-Effect Thrusters, while simultaneously operating at double their specific impulse.
Designed for Earth-orbital use, the TIE-20 offers primary propulsion for point-to-point transfers and auxiliary propulsion for stationkeeping. Its high fuel efficiency and total impulse enable repeated maneuvers for space situational awareness, delivering the highest mission Delta-V among EP technologies cost-effectively.

Power Processing Unit

Our Power Processing Unit (PPU) optimizes power delivery to the thruster, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability. Its robust design supports the TIE-20’s advanced performance, making it crucial for mission success.

Features

Superior total impulse for
maximum lifetime
Maximized power efficiency
for peak performance
Unrivaled mission delta-V per
dollar for cost savings
Extensive fuel efficiency
Sustained maneuvering capabilities
Life-extending carbon-based designs

Advanced satellite design showcasing detailed components, including blue reflective lenses and intricate frameworks.

Go Further With Turion

Purchase of a TIE-20 System includes a 1-year free subscription to Turion’s Starfire software which delivers:

Optimized maneuver planning
Integrated space traffic management
Mission control / C2 integrations

Visit Turion on Linkedin to stay up to date with the latest news.

THE TIE-20 SYSTEM ADVANTAGE

SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

  
    TIE-20 System
    System Delivery
    Dry Mass 
(kg)
   	Total Impulse 
(MN-s)
    Data Interface
  

    GEN 1 System
    Q3 2025
    15.7 (PPU + Thruster) 

      ~21 total
    > 8
    RS-422
  

    GEN 2 System
    Q2 2026
    ≤ 23 total
    ~ 20
    RS-422
  

THRUSTER SPECIFICATIONS

  
    TIE-20 Krypton Thruster
    Power Range
    Thrust Range
   	Isp Range
  

    GEN 1 Thruster
    0.31–1.52 kW
    9.1–47.4 mN
    1,330–3,480 s
  

    GEN 2 Thruster
    0.31–2.0 kW
    9.1–79.4 mN
    1,330–4,500 s
  

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS*

  
  
    Type
    Name
    Thrust/
Power
(mN/kW)
    Isp
(s)
    Thrust*Isp/
Power
(mN-s/W)
    Propellant
  

      GIT
      TIE–20 High Thrust Mode

      (DWP)
      39.5
(79/2.0)
      2880
      113.8
      Kr
    

      GIT
      TIE–20 High Isp Mode

     (DWP)
      27.5
(55/2.0)
      4500
      123.8
      Kr
    

  
  
  
    GIT
    NPT30-12-1U 
(ThrustMe)
    15.7
(1.1/.07)
    2400
    37.7
    Kr
  

    GIT
    BIT-3
(Busek)
    13.8
(1.1/.08)
    2150
    29.6
    I
  

    HET
    Halo 12
(ExoTerra)
    51.5
(85/1.65)
    1850
    95.3
    Xe
  

    HET
    Aurora
(Orbion)
    66.7
(19/0.3)
    1370
    86.8
    Xe
  

    HET
    JPT150
(ThrustMe)
    45
(9/0.2)
    1600
    72
    I
  

    HET
    PPS 1350-S
(Safran)
    60
(90/1.5)
    1600
    72
    Xe
  

    HET
    PPS 5000-S
(Safran)
    60
(150/2.5)
    1730
    103.8
    Xe
  

    HET
    BHT-1500
(Busek)
    67.3
(101/1.5)
    1710
    115.1
    Xe
  

    HET
    ASE MAX
(Astra)
    35.7
(50/1.4)
    1800
    64.3
    Kr
  

GIT – Gridded Ion Thruster
HET – Hall-Effect Thruster

* comparative analysis table: Statements above refer to the successful development of our second generation thruster technology

Specific Impulse Comparison'
    Specific Impulse Comparison
  

TIE-20 Thruster Efficiency
    TIE-20 Thruster Efficiency vs Specific Impulse
  