Boeing HorizonX Ventures has invested in Accion Systems Inc, a Massachusetts-based start-up company that is developing scaleable electric propulsion technology designed to transform satellite capabilities in and beyond Earth’s orbit.

Accion’s new Tiled Ionic Liquid Electrospray (TILE) in-space propulsion system aims to increase the lifespan and manoeuvrability of satellites and other vehicles in space, using a non-toxic ionic liquid propellant and postage stamp-size thrusters that are smaller, lighter and more cost-effective than traditional ion engines.

Brian Schettler, managing director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures (www.boeing.com), said: “Accion’s scaleable technology can help to bring game-changing capabilities to satellites and space vehicles.

"Investing in start-ups with next generation concepts accelerates satellite innovation, unlocking new possibilities and economics in Earth orbit and deep space.”

Founded in 2014 by two Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineers, Accion has received annual contracts from the US Department of Defense for the past three years.

Accion CEO and co-founder Natalya Bailey said: “Our TILE product family gives satellites greater capabilities, and at the size of a postage stamp, it fundamentally rewrites the relationship between mass and propulsion.

"Boeing’s aerospace leadership will help us deliver safer higher-performance next-generation propulsion systems to market.”

Boeing introduced the first-ever all-electric satellite propulsion system — the 702SP — in 2011, and it has continued to bolster its satellite capabilities with recent investments in Millennium Space Systems and Bridge Sat Inc.