The Air Force Research Laboratory is exploring modular propulsion for small satellites, with the aim of demonstrating the concept on orbit within a few years.
The research laboratory intends to establish a standardized interface between a satellite bus and a modular propulsion unit. AFRL envisions that a standardized interface would allow different propulsion products to be integrated more easily into a satellite bus, speeding up upgrades and giving innovative new entrants to the industry the ability to connect their propulsion to satellites. More