Quantum Space is bolstering its capabilities with the acquisition of propulsion technologies and facilities from Phase Four. The September 22nd announcement detailed the acquisition of Phase Four’s multi-mode propulsion technology and its Southern California integration and test facility. While financial terms remain undisclosed, this acquisition is a significant step for Quantum Space.
Phase Four's innovative multi-mode propulsion technology offers a unique advantage. The thruster functions as both a chemical thruster, delivering high thrust, and an electric thruster, maximizing efficiency. This technology, previously demonstrated in the Maxwell Block 3 thruster using hydrazine and the non-toxic ASCENT propellant, will be integrated into Quantum Space's Ranger spacecraft.
The Ranger spacecraft, designed for commercial and government missions, is capable of carrying up to 6,000 kilograms of payloads and achieving a delta-V of at least 2.5 kilometers per second. “Acquiring Phase Four’s multi-mode propulsion assets marks a major inflection point for Quantum Space,” stated Kerry Wisnosky, Quantum Space’s chief executive. “It gives us the agility, resilience and efficiency required to serve the most demanding national security missions, support civil science objectives and meet commercial customers where they are headed.”
This acquisition follows Quantum Space’s $40 million funding round in June, signaling a shift towards national security missions, including projects like the Golden Dome missile defense system. Wisnosky further emphasized, “Mission areas such as Golden Dome, maneuverable GEO and life extension all will benefit. This is about providing unmatched space mobility.”
The acquired facilities, encompassing a high bay, clean room, and associated labs, will expedite the development and expansion of propulsion systems and Ranger spacecraft. Phase Four Chief Executive Steve Kiser framed the deal as a partnership, stating, “Partnering with Quantum Space ensures that this technology scales and finds its way into the missions that matter most — defense, science, commercial infrastructure. I’m proud of what the Phase Four team built, and Quantum Space is the right partner to get the multi-mode capability on orbit.”
This acquisition follows a similar deal where Apex acquired Hall Effect thruster technology from Phase Four. Speculation about Phase Four winding down operations has arisen due to these recent developments and the inaccessibility of their website.