// PROPULSION SYSTEMS AND ENGINE TECHNOLOGY TERM
Krypton Propellant
Krypton is a noble gas used as a fuel in certain electric spacecraft engines, such as Hall thrusters. It is a more abundant and significantly cheaper alternative to xenon, though it generally provides lower thrust and efficiency.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Krypton (Kr) is an inert noble gas propellant used in electric propulsion (EP) systems like Hall effect thrusters and ion engines for spacecraft maneuvering and station-keeping. As a propellant, it is ionized and accelerated by electromagnetic fields to generate thrust, offering a lower-cost alternative to xenon (Xe) for applications like large satellite constellations, despite its lower atomic mass and performance characteristics.
BACKGROUND
Spacecraft electric propulsion encompasses spacecraft propulsion systems that use electric energy to accelerate and expel propellant, generating thrust through electric or magnetic fields. Their principal advantage over chemical rockets is much higher specific impulse, meaning greater propellant efficiency, but the limited electrical power available aboard spacecraft yields much lower thrust, making electric propulsion unsuitable for launch from Earth's surface and better suited to long-duration in-space maneuvers.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Kr propellant
- krypton fuel
- noble gas propellant
- xenon alternative propellant
- Hall thruster fuel
USAGE NOTE
Krypton is often specified for cost-sensitive missions, particularly large satellite constellations like Starlink, where propellant volume and expense are primary design drivers.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Krypton Propellant.
Operates the world's largest satellite constellation, Starlink, which utilizes custom-engineered Hall-effect thrusters fueled by krypton for orbit raising, station keeping, and deorbiting.
Developed the Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) Hall thruster, which is designed to be compatible with both xenon and krypton propellant for use on NASA's Gateway lunar outpost and other deep space missions.
A leading European provider of plasma propulsion systems. They have adapted their popular PPS® series of Hall thrusters to operate efficiently with krypton, addressing market demand for lower-cost propellants.
A major European satellite manufacturer that has qualified its Hall thruster products, such as the PPS-5000, for use with krypton to provide more cost-effective electric propulsion solutions for large telecommunication satellites and constellations.
A specialized developer of electric propulsion systems that has designed, tested, and manufactured Hall-effect thrusters specifically optimized for operation with krypton propellant for various government and commercial customers.
A key NASA facility for advanced in-space propulsion research. The center conducts extensive testing and characterization of electric propulsion systems, including Hall thrusters, operating on krypton to mature the technology for future missions.
A company specializing in electric propulsion for small satellites. Their ExoMG™ line of Hall thrusters is designed for propellant flexibility, including compatibility with krypton, to lower mission costs for small satellite operators.
An Italian aerospace company that develops Hall-effect thrusters, such as their HT series. They have published research and test data on the performance and endurance of their thrusters using krypton as a propellant.