Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) has launched its new Gauss electric propulsion system, developed to meet growing demand from satellite constellation operators. The company also announced the creation of a production line capable of delivering more than 200 thrusters per year, aiming to ease supply constraints in the electric propulsion market.
The Gauss system combines a Hall Thruster, a Power Processing Unit, and a Propellant Management Assembly. Unlike many competitors, Rocket Lab designed and built the system entirely in-house rather than sourcing existing technology.
“Proliferated constellations are now the norm for commercial and national security space users, but the propulsion systems needed to maneuver these spacecraft in orbit have simply not been reliably available at any kind of scale,” said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab’s founder and CEO.
The new thruster delivers higher specific impulse than traditional chemical propulsion systems, enabling satellites to operate with less propellant while maintaining performance. It primarily uses xenon as fuel, with krypton available as an alternative.
Notable features include heaterless cathode technology for immediate startup, magnetic shielding to extend operational lifespan, and an ITAR/EAR-free design suited for low Earth orbit constellation missions. The system also incorporates GaNFET-based electronics and a streamlined software interface.
Rocket Lab has previously produced more than 850 Rutherford engines for its Electron rocket, as well as Curie engines used in missions deploying over 200 spacecraft. The company operates launch sites in both New Zealand and Virginia.
The announcement was made via a press release from Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, California.