Engineered for the lowest lead time of any propulsion system. Qualification and acceptance on Earth, flight proven in orbit from 2027.
THRUSTERS
More than half of self-pressurised (nitrous oxide and hydrocarbon) propulsion systems have failed on orbit due to liquid entering the thruster feed lines. We tackled this from day one by developing PhaseGuard: an active fluid management system that blocks any liquid from reaching the thruster. This guarantees ignition, every time.
A thruster is only as good as the equipment measuring it. We've dedicated ourselves to developing test equipment with high degrees of autonomy, precise instrumentation and space-representative conditions. Our thruster test bench allows fully automated firings under continuous vacuum conditions, enabling high test cadence with real thermal and performance characteristics.
Since 2024, we've been supported by ESA through the General Support Technology Programme (GSTP), helping us ensure the TAILWIND propulsion system can meet the strict demands of the next generation of spacecraft.
SYSTEM
TAILWIND is fully compliant with the SpaceX Payload User Guide. We provide all tests and documentation for pressure vessels such as proof, burst and bubble leak to the required qualification levels, all systems are equipped with contingency relief devices, and we handle everything related to propellant loading before launch.
All electronics are qualified to 20 krad TID, suitable for any LEO missions of a typical 5 year lifetime. Radiation test campaign is based on the ECSS-Q-ST-60-15C standard.
We design, test and deliver based on the relevant ECSS standards, from component level all the way up to system level - with dedicated qualification models for qualification testing and flight models for acceptance testing.
SUPPLY CHAIN
Every component, subassembly and assembly is tracked through our inventory system, with test reports attached at each stage of build. What ships as a flight unit has a complete internal history from first part to final acceptance. TAILWIND is designed to minimise single-source dependencies. Key components are held in stock to meet demand.
Nitrous oxide and ethane are non-toxic, industrially produced fluids available globally. These are a fraction of the cost of traditional chemical propellants, which require SCAPE suits due to its toxicity. These propellants are self-pressurised at room temperature, eliminating the need for a separate pressurisation tank and simplifying the feed system.
The full datasheet is on the product page, ICD and CAD upon request.