View source for Company:Busek

{{Short description|American spacecraft propulsion company}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Busek
| logo = LogoBlue 96dpi.jpg
| caption = 
| image = Busek_Co_Maxar_PPE_in_lunar_orbit.jpg
| image_size = 300
| image_caption = Concept art of the Lunar Gateways' Power and Propulsion Element with Busek Hall effect thrusters (outer pair on each side).
| type = [[Earth:Aerospace|Aerospace]]
| traded_as = 
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| foundation = 1985
| founder = Vlad Hruby
| defunct = <!-- {{End date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| location_city = Natick, Massachusetts
| location_country = {{wipe|United States}}
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| products = [[Astronomy:Spacecraft propulsion|Spacecraft propulsion]]
| services = 
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| homepage = {{URL|www.busek.com}}
| footnotes = 
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}}

'''Busek Co. Inc.''' is an American [[Astronomy:Spacecraft propulsion|spacecraft propulsion]] company that builds [[Engineering:Thrusters (spacecraft)|thrusters]], [[Engineering:Electronics|electronics]], and various systems for [[Engineering:Spacecraft|spacecraft]].

==History==
Busek was founded in 1985 by Vlad Hruby in Natick, Massachusetts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-08-25 |title=Spotlight {{!}} Busek Co. Inc. |url=https://spacenews.com/41665spotlight-busek-co-inc/ |access-date=2022-04-07 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref> Busek started as a laboratory outside of Boston, {{wipe|Massachusetts}}.  

===Flight missions===
==== TacSat-2 ====
[[File:BHT-200 Firing.JPG|thumb|Busek's BHT-200 hall effect thruster]]
The first US [[Physics:Hall-effect thruster|Hall thruster]] flown in space, Busek's BHT-200, was launched aboard the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) [[Engineering:TacSat-2|TacSat-2]] satellite. The Busek thruster was part of the Microsatellite Propulsion Integration (MPI) Experiment and was integrated on [[Engineering:TacSat-2|TacSat-2]] under the direction of the DoD Space Test Program. TacSat-2 launched on December 16, 2006 from the [[Organization:Wallops Flight Facility|NASA Wallops Flight Facility]].<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Goebel|first1=Dan|title=Fundamentals of Electric Propulsion: Ion and Hall Thrusters|last2=Katz|first2=Ira|publisher=Wiley|year=2008|isbn=978-0470429273|location=Hoboken, New Jersey|pages=442}}</ref>

==== LISA Pathfinder ====
The first [[Engineering:Colloid thruster|electrospray thruster]] that made it to space was manufactured by Busek and launched aboard the [[Organization:European Space Agency|European Space Agency's]] [[Astronomy:LISA Pathfinder|LISA Pathfinder]] satellite on December 3, 2015. The micro-newton [[Engineering:Colloid thruster|colloid-style]] [[Engineering:Electrically powered spacecraft propulsion|electric thruster]] was developed under contract with [[Organization:Jet Propulsion Laboratory|NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] (NASA ST-7 Program) and part of NASA's Disturbance Reduction System (DRS), which serves a critical role in the LISA Pathfinder science mission.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Colloid Microthrusters Demonstrated on LISA Pathfinder {{!}} Science Mission Directorate|url=https://science.nasa.gov/technology/technology-highlights/colloid-microthrusters-demonstrated-on-lisa-pathfinder|access-date=2021-04-27|website=science.nasa.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Ziemer|first1=John K.|last2=Randolph|first2=Thomas|last3=Hruby|first3=Vlad|last4=Spence|first4=Douglas|last5=Demmons|first5=Nathaniel|last6=Roy|first6=Tom|last7=Connolly|first7=William|last8=Ehrbar|first8=Eric|last9=Zwahlen|first9=Jurg|last10=Martin|first10=Roy|date=2006|title=Colloid Microthrust Propulsion for the Space Technology 7 (ST7) and LISA Missions|url=http://aip.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1063/1.2405097|journal=AIP Conference Proceedings|language=en|location=Greenbelt, Maryland (USA)|publisher=AIP|volume=873|pages=548–555|doi=10.1063/1.2405097}}</ref>

==== AEHF ====
[[Company:Aerojet|Aerojet]], under license with Busek,<ref>{{cite web
|last=Wilhelm, S
|title= In rocket technology, the ion is king of the jungle
|url= http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/1999/05/17/story8.html
|publisher=Puget Sound Business Journal, May 16, 1999
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|title= Advanced Satellite Propulsion Technology
|url= http://www.afsbirsttr.com/Publications/Documents/satprop.pdf
|publisher= Air Force SBIR Impact
|access-date= 2012-10-23
|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120903015020/http://www.afsbirsttr.com/Publications/Documents/satprop.pdf
|archive-date= 2012-09-03
|url-status= dead
}}</ref> manufactured the 4 kW [[Physics:Hall-effect thruster|Hall thruster]] (the BPT-4000) which was flown aboard the USAF AEHF communications spacecraft. 

==== OneWeb ====

In 2023, Busek announced the successful on-orbit commissioning of its BHT-350 Hall-effect thrusters on 80 [[Company:OneWeb|OneWeb]] satellites, launched in December 2022 and January 2023 on [[Company:SpaceX|SpaceX]] [[Engineering:Falcon 9|Falcon 9]] rockets. The new [[Company:OneWeb|OneWeb]] communications satellites use the thrusters for orbit-raising, station-keeping, collision avoidance and de-orbiting at the conclusion of each satellite’s mission.
<ref>{{cite web
|last=Werner, Debra
|title= Busek ramps up production for OneWeb Constellation
|url= 
https://spacenews.com/busek-ramps-up-production-for-oneweb-constellation/
|publisher= Space News, February 6, 2023
}}</ref>

== Contracts ==

=== NASA ===
Busek will be providing [[Physics:Hall-effect thruster|Hall thrusters]] for [[Organization:NASA|NASA]]'s [[Astronomy:Artemis program|Artemis Program]]. As part of the [[Astronomy:Power and Propulsion Element|Power and Propulsion Element]], Busek's 6 kW Hall thrusters will work in combination with NASA's [[Astronomy:Advanced Electric Propulsion System|Advanced Electric Propulsion System]] to provide orbit-raising and station-keeping capabilities for the [[Astronomy:Lunar Gateway|Lunar Gateway]]. The Lunar Gateway's polar [[Astronomy:Near-rectilinear halo orbit|near-rectilinear halo orbit]] (NRHO) will require periodic orbit adjustment, and electric propulsion will use [[Physics:Solar energy|solar energy]] for this task.<ref>{{cite conference |url=http://electricrocket.org/2019/651.pdf |title=The Application of Advanced Electric Propulsion on the NASA Power and Propulsion Element |last1=Herman |first1=Dan |last2=Gray |first2=Timothy |last3=Johnson |first3=Ian |last4=Kerl |first4=Taylor |last5=Lee |first5=Ty |last6=Silva |first6=Tina |date=15 September 2019 |pages=15 |location=Vienna, Austria |conference=International Electric Propulsion Conference |id=}}</ref>

== Research and development ==

=== Propulsion ===
[[File:RF Ion Propellants.jpg|thumb|Busek's BIT-3 ion thruster operating on several propellants]]
Busek has demonstrated experimental [[Chemistry:Xenon|xenon]] Hall thrusters at power levels up to and exceeding 20kW.<ref>{{cite web
|author1=Boyd, I. |author2=Sun, Q. |author3=Cai, C. |author4=Tatum, K. |title= Particle Simulation of Hall Thruster Plumes in the 12V Vacuum Chamber
|url= http://erps.spacegrant.org/uploads/images/images/iepc_articledownload_1988-2007/2005index/138.pdf
|publisher= IEPC Paper 2005-138, Proceedings of the 29th International Electric Propulsion Conference, Princeton University, 2005
}}</ref> Busek has also developed Hall thrusters that operate on [[Chemistry:Iodine|iodine]],<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Szabo|first1=James|last2=Pote|first2=Bruce|last3=Paintal|first3=Surjeet|last4=Robin|first4=Mike|last5=Hillier|first5=Adam|last6=Branam|first6=Richard D.|last7=Huffmann|first7=Richard E.|date=2012-07-01|title=Performance Evaluation of an Iodine-Vapor Hall Thruster|url=https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/1.B34291|journal=Journal of Propulsion and Power|volume=28|issue=4|pages=848–857|doi=10.2514/1.B34291}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|last=Marshall Space Flight Center
| title= Iodine-Compatible Hall Effect Thruster
|url= https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/tb/techbriefs/physical-sciences/24844?m=1393
|publisher=NASA Tech Briefs, June 2016.
}}</ref> [[Chemistry:Bismuth|bismuth]],<ref name="aa2005">{{cite web
|last = Walker, M|title = Propulsion and Energy: Electric Propulsion (Year in Review, 2005)|url = http://mwalker.gatech.edu/papers/Electric%20prop_AerospaceAmerica_121505.pdf|publisher = Aerospace America, December 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|last=Marshall Space Flight Center
| title= Hall-Effect Thruster Utilizing Bismuth as Propellant
|url= http://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/3362
|publisher=NASA Tech Briefs, 32, 11, November 2008
}}</ref> [[Chemistry:Carbon dioxide|carbon dioxide]],<ref>{{cite web
|last=Bergin, C
| title= Enabling the future: NASA Call for exploration revolution via NIAC concepts
|url= http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/01/enabling-future-nasa-call-exploration-revolution-niac-concepts/
|publisher=NASA Spaceflight.com, 9 January 2012
}}</ref> [[Chemistry:Magnesium|magnesium]],<ref>{{cite web
|last=Glenn Research Center
|title= Improved Hall Thrusters Fed by Solid Phase Propellant
|url=https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/tb/techbriefs/aerospace/22415?m=1393
|publisher=NASA Tech Briefs, July 2015
}}</ref> [[Chemistry:Zinc|zinc]],<ref>{{cite web|author1=Szabo, J.|author2=Robin, M.|author3=Duggan, J..|author4=Hofer, R.|title=Light Metal Propellant Hall Thrusters|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274070617|publisher=IEPC paper 09-138, Proceedings of the 31st International Electric Propulsion Conference, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2009.}}</ref> and other substances. An iodine fueled 200 W Busek Hall thruster will fly on NASA's upcoming iSat ([[Physics:Iodine Satellite|Iodine Satellite]]) mission. Busek is also preparing a 600 Watt iodine Hall thruster system for future Discovery Class missions.<ref>{{cite web
| title= Iodine Hall Thruster for Space Exploration
|url= http://sbir.gsfc.nasa.gov/success-stories/iodine-hall-thruster-space-exploration
|publisher=NASA SBIR/STTR Success Stories, 5 May 2016
}}</ref>

Other publicized Busek technologies include RF ion engines<ref name="aa2011">{{Cite journal|last1=Krejci|first1=David|last2=Lozano|first2=Paul|title=Space Propulsion Technology for Small Spacecraft|url=https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8252908|journal=Proceedings of the IEEE|year=2018 |volume=106|issue=3 |pages=362–378|doi=10.1109/JPROC.2017.2778747 |hdl=1721.1/114401 |s2cid=3268221 |hdl-access=free}}</ref> and a [[Engineering:Resistojet rocket|resistojet rocket]].<ref>{{cite web
|last=Goddard Space Flight Center
|title= Micro-Resistojet for Small Satellites
|url= http://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/2876
|publisher=NASA Tech Briefs, June 2008
}}</ref> Another focus is [[Engineering:CubeSat|CubeSat]] propulsion, proposed for the 2018 [[Astronomy:Lunar IceCube|Lunar IceCube]] mission.<ref name="MSU Selected">{{cite web |url=http://www.moreheadstate.edu/News/2015/April/MSU_s__Deep_Space_Probe__selected_by_NASA_for_Lunar_Mission/ |title=MSU's 'Deep Space Probe' selected by NASA for Lunar Mission |work=Morehead State University |date=1 April 2015 |accessdate=2015-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526085021/http://www.moreheadstate.edu/News/2015/April/MSU_s__Deep_Space_Probe__selected_by_NASA_for_Lunar_Mission/ |archive-date=26 May 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
 
{{asof|2012|07}}, Busek was also working on a DARPA-funded program called DARPA Phoenix, which aims to recycle some parts of on-orbit spacecraft.<ref name=bg20120730>
{{cite web
|last=Johnson, C.
|title= Boston-area firms to help recycle satellites
|url= https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/technology/2012/07/29/boston-area-companies-help-defense-department-recycle-satellites-recycling-satellites-may-ease-junk-issue/BeABXaAHMomaPhMtTbKEMP/story.html?camp=pm
|publisher=The Boston Globe, July 30, 2012.
}}</ref>

In September 2013, NASA awarded an 18‑month Phase I contract to Busek to develop an experimental concept called a High Aspect Ratio Porous Surface (HARPS) microthruster system for use in tiny [[Engineering:CubeSat|CubeSat]] spacecraft.<ref>[https://gcd.larc.nasa.gov/projects/advanced-in-space-propulsion/#.VWyrlmfbIp5 Advanced In-Space Propulsion (AISP)]. NASA - Game Changing Development Program.</ref><ref>[https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20150002945.pdf Small Satellite Propulsion]. (PDF) page 12.  ''AstroRecon 2015''. January 8–10, 2015. Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.</ref>

In March 2021, Busek and [[Company:Maxar Technologies|Maxar Technologies]] completed an end-to-end hot fire test campaign validating all significant elements of the 6-kilowatt [[Engineering:Solar electric propulsion|solar electric propulsion]] (SEP) subsystem for the [[Astronomy:Power and Propulsion Element|Power and Propulsion Element]] (PPE) of [[Astronomy:Lunar Gateway|NASA’s Gateway]] in lunar orbit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-18 |title=Maxar and Busek Thruster System for NASA Lunar Gateway Passes Critical Milestone |url=https://apnews.com/press-release/pr-newswire/technology-business-science-astronomy-spacecraft-manufacturing-4a967677abf17555dcc0552f4e056bb4 |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref>

=== Orbital Debris Remover (ORDER) ===

In order to deal with [[Astronomy:Space debris|space debris]], Busek proposed in 2014 a remotely controlled vehicle to [[Astronomy:Space rendezvous|rendezvous]] with this debris, capture it, and attach a smaller deorbit satellite to the debris. The remotely controlled vehicle would then drag the debris/smallsat-combination, using a tether, to the desired location. The larger sat would then tow the debris/smallsat combination to either deorbit or move it to a higher [[Astronomy:Graveyard orbit|graveyard orbit]] by means of electric propulsion. The larger satellite is named the ''Orbital Debris Remover'', or ''ORDER'' which will carry over 40 SUL (''Satellite on an Umbilical Line'') deorbit sats and sufficient [[Physics:Propellant|propellant]] for a large number of orbital manoeuvres required to effect a 40-satellite debris removal mission over many years. Busek is projecting the cost for such a [[Engineering:Space tug|space tug]] to be {{USD|80 million}}.<ref name=sn20141125>
{{cite news |last1=Foust| first1=Jeff |title=Companies Have Technologies, but Not Business Plans, for Orbital Debris Cleanup |url=http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/42656companies-have-technologies-but-not-business-plans-for-orbital-debris |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141206140211/http://www.spacenews.com/article/civil-space/42656companies-have-technologies-but-not-business-plans-for-orbital-debris |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 6, 2014 |accessdate=2014-12-06 |work=Space News |date=2014-11-25 }}</ref>

==See also==

*{{annotated link|Astronomy:LISA Pathfinder}}
*{{annotated link|Astronomy:Lunar IceCube}}
*{{annotated link|Engineering:TacSat-2}}
*{{annotated link|Company:OneWeb}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

[[Category:Spacecraft propulsion]]
[[Category:Companies (Engineering)]]
[[Category:Companies]]

{{Sourceattribution|Busek}}