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Remote-sensing satellite operator HawkEye 360 is the latest to experience problems in orbit, due to an \u201cirreparable\u201d failure of propulsion systems made by Austria-based Enpulsion, compounded by high solar activity.<\/p>\n
While HawkEye declined to name its propulsion provider to TechCrunch, an April 2022 letter from HawkEye to the FCC states that the affected satellites are equipped with Enpulsion\u2019s IFM Nano Thruster propulsion system.<\/p>\n
HawkEye requested temporary permission from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to operate three of its satellites, called Cluster 4, at a lower altitude on July 24. In a separate filing, the company requested permanent authority to operate its constellation at orbital altitudes of 400-615 kilometers, given the propulsion failures.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Cluster 4 spacecraft are currently operating at an orbital altitude of approximately 477 km, as a result of failures in the propulsion systems of each of the Cluster 4 spacecraft,\u201d the company said in its request. \u201cThe company has unsuccessfully tried to remedy these failures and recently concluded that the propulsion system failures are irreparable.\u201d<\/p>\n
HawkEye has already discontinued use of Enpulsion\u2019s systems: in March, the FCC approved HawkEye\u2019s request to switch to a water-based propulsion system made by Bradford Space starting with Cluster 7 and on all future satellites. The company launched Cluster 7 to orbit in April, bringing its constellation to 21 spacecraft (including the three experiencing issues here).<\/p>\n
According to NASA, we are currently approaching solar maximum, or the time in the solar cycle when the sun\u2019s activity peaks. This activity, which can include powerful geomagnetic storms, can create issues for spacecraft, including increased drag that accelerates their orbital decay.<\/p>\n