Elementum 3D, Erie, Colorado, USA, was awarded two SBIR Phase I in May and June 2021 by NASA and the US Department of the Navy, respectively.
The first SBIR is centred around the development of additively manufactured soft magnetic materials for large diameter Hall-effect thrusters. As in-space electric propulsion systems are becoming increasingly important to interplanetary missions, NASA is searching for better manufacturing methods in producing large diameter Hall-effect thrusters with the necessary magnetic properties and structural robustness. Elementum 3D will be partnering with Altius Space Machines in the development of AM iron-cobalt alloys, Additive Manufacturing processes, and post-processing to achieve the needed performance for these thrusters, as well as other space and terrestrial uses.
