At the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, the STAR project emerged to enable the serial production of plasma and other propulsion systems for small spacecraft, including nano- and microsatellites. This initiative was explained to socialbites.ca by MEPhI representatives, highlighting a focused transition from research to industrial fabrication and a clear path to market readiness.
Today, the company’s flagship product is the VERA plasma propulsion system, which stands out in Russia for its compact size, favorable weight, high energy efficiency, and robust safety profile. The design prioritizes reliability in demanding space environments and aligns with the evolving needs of small satellite platforms that require dependable maneuverability and extended mission lifetimes.
In the Russian market, demand for this class of propulsion systems is already significant, with about 70 installations anticipated annually. This projection reflects genuine interest from space entities such as Sputniks and Geoscan, underscoring a growing ecosystem that values compact, efficient propulsion options to enable new mission concepts and constellation deployments.
Engine utilization in low-Earth orbit serves several critical purposes. Spacecraft use these systems to maintain and adjust orbits, thereby extending the operational life of satellites and protecting payloads. Moreover, propulsion plays a pivotal role in planning and executing multi-satellite constellations, ensuring efficient deployment of vehicles across the Earth’s surface. Finally, when satellites reach the end of their active life, the propulsion systems support controlled deorbiting, contributing to debris mitigation in near-Earth space as part of responsible space stewardship, according to Igor Egorov, the chief engineer of STAR and a senior lecturer at the Institute of Laser and Plasma Technologies within MEPhI.
The company anticipates its first sale before year-end and foresees potential expansion into propulsion systems for spacecraft with greater mass and dimensional requirements, signaling a scalable path for broader space mission capabilities in the region.
This trajectory reflects a broader commitment to advancing space technology within Russia, fostering an ecosystem where research excellence translates into practical solutions that support commercial and governmental space initiatives while promoting sustainable orbit management and long-term mission success.