Rubicon Space Systems has been selected by an aerospace prime contractor to provide Velox™ 5-Newton ASCENT monopropellant thrusters for an upcoming space mission.

The award includes production of flight hardware and qualification of Rubicon's next-generation Velox thruster design to mission requirements. The program represents an important milestone for the company as Velox transitions from development into flight applications.

While customer and mission details remain confidential, Rubicon will manufacture and deliver a set of flight thrusters over the next year in support of the program schedule. The effort includes qualification testing designed to demonstrate performance, reliability, and mission readiness of the Velox propulsion system.

Velox is Rubicon's 5-Newton monopropellant thruster powered by ASCENT (AF-M315E), a high-performance, low-toxicity alternative to hydrazine. Designed for spacecraft mobility applications including orbit adjustment, rapid repositioning, momentum management, and larger ΔV maneuvers, the thruster delivers up to 5 newtons of thrust with specific impulse approaching 250 seconds.

The contract will support continued qualification and maturation of the Velox product line while expanding Rubicon's growing portfolio of ASCENT propulsion technologies. The company currently manufactures critical propulsion components in-house, including chambers, injectors, and catalyst, enabling rapid development cycles and close control of product quality.

"Moving from prototype hardware to a flight-qualified product is one of the most important transitions for any aerospace technology," Cavender said. "This award demonstrates growing confidence in ASCENT propulsion and positions Velox to support future government and commercial missions."

The award reflects increasing demand for scalable spacecraft mobility solutions as government and commercial operators seek higher-performance alternatives to traditional propulsion technologies. Rubicon remains focused on delivering reliable propulsion systems that enable spacecraft operators to accomplish more once on orbit.