ExoTerra delivers 21 propulsion modules for SDA satellites

SAN FRANCISCO — Colorado-based ExoTerra Resources has supplied York Space Systems with 21 propulsion modules for the Space Development Agency (SDA) Transport Layer.

After raising money to expand staff and facilities, ExoTerra reached its goal of delivering 15 Iris250 propulsion modules in one month.

“We understand the importance of scaling propulsion production for SDA and we’re glad we could come in and meet the challenge,” ExoTerra CEO Mike VanWoerkom said in a statement. “Production of the Tranche 2 units is following immediately behind these, with first deliveries expected next month.”

In recent years, a surge in demand for small satellites for national security space programs has exposed strains in the supply chain for propulsion systems and other components.

ExoTerra boosted production of the Iris250 for satellites York is building for SDA’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer and for commercial customers. The Tranport Layer, part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, is designed for low-latency data communications.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this program and are excited to see it fly in the coming months,” VanWoerkom said.

To speed up production, ExoTerra hired 100 people, quadrupled production capacity and spent $8 million on equipment.

“Our new facility is now fully online,” VanWoerkom said. “With it, we achieved 15 total deliveries last month. With scaling issues now behind us, we expect to achieve 24 per month later this year, as we continue to ramp up the learning curve.”

ExoTerra, founded in 2011, designs, manufactures and tests electric propulsion modules for small satellites.