Remote-sensing satellite operator Hawkeye 360 has encountered problems with its Propulsion systems in orbit. The company has experienced an “irreparable” failure of propulsion systems provided by Austria-based Enpulsion, compounded by high solar activity. While the company did not disclose the name of its propulsion provider, an April 2022 letter from HawkEye to the FCC revealed that the affected satellites are equipped with Enpulsion’s IFM Nano Thruster propulsion system.

As a result of the propulsion failures, HawkEye requested temporary permission from the FCC to operate three of its satellites, known as Cluster 4, at a lower altitude. The company also sought permanent authority to operate its constellation at orbital altitudes of 400-615 kilometers. HawkEye stated in its request that the Cluster 4 spacecraft are currently operating at an orbital altitude of approximately 477 km due to the propulsion system failures, which it has unsuccessfully tried to remedy.

HawkEye has already taken steps to address the issue by discontinuing the use of Enpulsion’s systems. In March, the FCC approved the company’s request to switch to a water-based propulsion system made by Bradford Space for Cluster 7 and all future satellites. The company launched Cluster 7 in April, increasing its constellation to 21 spacecraft.

The current high solar activity, which marks the solar maximum, can create challenges for spacecraft, including increased drag that accelerates orbital decay. This has caused premature deorbiting for some Capella Space satellites as well.

HawkEye confirmed that despite the propulsion system failures, the Cluster 4 satellites are otherwise functional and continue to collect data and service customers. The company assures that its constellation architecture is robust and allows for variation in mission life based on deployment altitude, anomalies, and space weather. No comment was received from Enpulsion.

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