A French-Russian collaboration
In 1993, Snecma (Safran Group) teamed up with the Russian manufacturer of plasma thrusters, EDB Fakel. According to this agreement, Snecma markets the Fakel SPT100 stationary plasma thruster in Europe, via the joint venture ISTI, created with American satellite manufacturer Space Systems/Loral. About 50 of these thrusters have been sold to Thales Alenia Space and Astrium, and some of them are already in service today on three satellites: Intelsat 10, Inmarsat 4-F1 and Inmarsat 4-F2.
Snecma is specialized in plasma propulsion, a technology it pioneered in Europe more than 15 years ago, in conjunction with Russian partner EDB Fakel. The PPS®1350 stationary plasma thruster is used for both orbit control and transfer on satellites and space probes. Its major advantage is its high specific impulse, which considerably reduces the weight of spacecraft compared with those using conventional chemical propulsion. It also offers an excellent thrust-electrical power consumption ratio, which limits the activation time needed for each maneuver.
