What Sets GO-2 Apart From Its Competitors?

Resiliency Through Redundancy 

One of the biggest advantages of the GO-2 systems over other electric propulsion systems is its resiliency. GO-2 uses 40 thrusters, each with its own dedicated power supply. In the rare case of an anomaly, the remaining thrusters are unaffected and will continue to operate at full capacity. In comparison, other systems face the risk of catastrophic failure if a component fails. With other propulsion systems, a single failure renders the entire system inoperable, whereas GO-2 ensures that the satellite still operates with minimal disruption.  

Consistent Performance 

The GO-2 system offers superior performance optimization thanks to its 40 individually controllable and measurable thrusters. Each thruster’s current can be measured and adjusted to operate at its optimal operation point, ensuring maximum efficiency. In contrast, other FEEP systems have multiple emission sites running in parallel with different emission currents in an uncontrolled manner. The emission sites that draw more current, directly from launch or after some use, have negative effects on the overall system’s efficiency, leading to decreased and less stable system performance. GO-2 avoids this issue by ensuring each thruster has a single emission site that operates independently with its own power supply, offering more precise and reliable performance of the overall system for the entire life of the satellite. An added benefit of GO-2's individual thruster control is that it can enable fine-precision attitude maneuvers by creating varied thrust across the emission sites. 

Lower Temperature Requirements 

GO-2 benefits from a more efficient thermal management system. While other FEEP systems use Indium as a propellant, which has a relatively high melting temperature of 156.6°C, GO-2 uses a proprietary alloy as propellant that remains solid during storage, shipping, and launch but turns liquid at much lower temperatures. This significantly reduces the thermal load on the satellite and reduces power consumption, making GO-2 a much more reliable option for temperature-sensitive missions and long-term operation. 

Faster Heat-Up Time 

Due to its propellant’s lower melting temperature, GO-2 can be ready to fire much faster than competitor systems. GO-2 only requires 30-45 minutes to go from a cold start to being operational, whereas competitor systems can take up to 2 hours to reach a similar state. This quicker heat-up time improves mission flexibility and responsiveness, especially for time-sensitive operations. After heating up, the system can stay in hot standby for extended periods, enabled by an efficient thermal design leading to a low power draw of 4-8 W. 

Simple Command and Operation 

The GO-2 system is incredibly easy to command, requiring only three basic commands to go from startup to firing. The system’s firmware automatically manages temperature, currents, and other required parameters, reducing the need for active monitoring or user intervention. In comparison, some other systems require the user to be more involved in the operation to maintain proper functionality and performance, which can be time-consuming and increase the risk of operational errors. 

Superior Neutralizer Technology 

Another key differentiator for the GO-2 is its neutralizer technology. While other systems rely on thermal cathodes or need additional propellant to neutralize the ion beam, the GO-2 uses cold cathodes utilizing carbon nano tubes (CNTs), which don’t require any heat or propellant. Thermal cathodes, used in other systems, must operate at extremely high temperatures (around 2000 K), which generate significant thermal loads on the satellite and draw considerable power. Moreover, these thermal cathodes have a limited lifespan, typically no more than 2000 hours in lab conditions, and this lifespan may be even shorter in space. GO-2’s CNT cold cathodes not only offer better performance but also improve the overall lifetime and efficiency of the system. 

Conclusion 

GO-2 delivers a highly reliable and efficient alternative to other propulsion systems, offering consistent performance, better thermal management, faster start-up times, and easy operation. As space missions continue to evolve, GO-2’s cutting-edge technology is poised to meet the demands of dynamic satellite operations, delivering greater performance and dependability. 

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