Busek’s BHT-8000 is a 8kW (nominal) Hall Effect thruster with state-of-the-art center mounted cathode and performance unparalleled within its power class. The center-mounted cathode precludes performance degradation and outperforms many other competitive designs. The BHT-8000 is a mature propulsion system featuring high performance and compatibility with flight proven heritage components (cathodes, PPUs, and feed systems).

The BHT-8000 offers high performance over long-life and operation on xenon or krypton propellants. The BHT-8000 combines precise design of magnetic field distribution to provide high efficiency and high total impulse. The BHT-8000 produces 449mN thrust at 8,000W power and a specific impulse of 2,210 seconds.

Busek provides Hall Effect thruster configurations in circular, clustered, racetrack, and nested arrangements. Busek Hall Effect thrusters operate with plasmas composed of various elements, from xenon to advanced high-energy solids. Busek research has developed metallic propellants for insitu resource utilization that can dramatically benefit interplanetary missions.

Busek provides complete and fully integrated Hall Effect thruster systems, including cathode, power processing unit, digital control unit, and propellant management systems.