Rocketdyne wins propulsion contract for Lazuli space observatory

(SpaceEnergy) US spacecraft propulsion supplier Rocketdyne has been selected to provide 12 manoeuvring thrusters for the privately funded Lazuli Space Observatory, with delivery scheduled for 2027.

The Florida-based company announced the contract on 15 October, confirming that its flight-proven propulsion technology will support the observatory's station-keeping and manoeuvring requirements.

Lazuli is being developed through the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Observatory System, an initiative funded by Schmidt Sciences.

The spacecraft will carry a 3m primary mirror and investigate exoplanet atmospheres, dark energy and transient astronomical events, working alongside ground-based observatories.

Rocketdyne said its thrusters would be delivered during 2027 to support spacecraft integration ahead of the mission's planned launch.

The company, which recently became an independent space technology supplier, develops propulsion systems, spacecraft electronics and power technologies for government and commercial customers.

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) was selected earlier this year to develop Lazuli's spacecraft platform, including the systems required for propulsion, precision pointing and communications.

SSTL announced its involvement on 9 March, identifying the mission as an opportunity to apply established spacecraft technologies to a larger deep-space observatory.

Rocketdyne's selection establishes a propulsion hardware supplier for the programme, representing a separate procurement development.

The company did not disclose the contract value, thruster model, propellant, thrust rating or specific impulse.

Neither delivery of the propulsion hardware nor its integration into the observatory has been completed.