The Benchmark Space Systems XANTUS is a metal plasma thruster system that is designed for small satellites. Xantus is a milli-Newton class Electric Propulsion System of Benchmark Space Systems.

The metal plasma thruster was developed by Alameda Applied Sciences Corporation over the span of a decade. NASA has provided consistent support along the way in designing and developing the system.

With variations of plasma physics and system architecture, the XANTUS is a flight-ready system manifested on a heritage mission in 2022. The radiation-hardened configuration of the system is being prepared for the full qualification.

Xantus does not use gas or liquid propellants, neutralizers, heaters, or high-voltage electronics. The Benchmark Space Systems XANTUS is designed to have the highest total impulse for its size and several unique operational attributes.

Xantus metal plasma thrusters can single-handedly address most of the CubeSat missions. They are also an integral tool for microsat mission optimization with high-endurance station keeping and ultra-precise pointing and docking operations.

This technology enables the first integrated chemical-electric hybrid system for microsats and will have a prominent role in On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM) operations.