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June 28, 2023
EOI Space Receives Two Key Technology Patents
EOI Space has received patents for two technological advancements that enable its satellites to operate in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO).
Electric Propulsion
In development since the company was founded in 2017, Co-Founders Chris Thein and Nate Rosenblad have invented a unique electric propulsion system that reliably maintain agile orbits in the high-drag environment of VLEO for at least five years—something that has never been done before. The system is centered around a high-power Hall Effect thruster and has successfully been tested in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force. EOI Space has received patents for two technological advancements that enable its satellites to operate in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO).
View the electric propulsion patent here.
Satellite Design
In addition to building a VLEO-specific thruster, the team knew they would also need to rethink the design of the satellite, itself.
“The satellite designs that exist today are built for operation above the international Space Station, at altitudes between 400 and 600 km. There were obvious challenges we needed to solve for to make a resilient constellation of satellites able to survive for several years,” said EOI Space Co-Founder and Chief Engineer, Nate Rosenblad.
The overall shape, internal component placement, and material selection have been carefully optimized to minimize atmospheric drag, adding to the satellites’ longevity.
View the satellite design patent here.