Program Management Review
Aug 2025Discussion of overall satellite design.
Preliminary Design Review
Nov 2025Avionics and software testing, detailed design concepts ready.
Critical Design Review
Nov 2026Subsystem analyses complete; verification in progress.
Flight Selection Review
Jan 2027Subsystem prototypes presented, engineering model complete.
Launch
Q2 2029Spacecraft prepared for launch if selected post-FSR.
Future Work
The APEx team is currently performing system architecture trade studies and component selection, moving toward a more complete overall design of the satellite.
Current challenges include:
- Selecting a propellant flow meter and tank gauging system
- Designing a power and control board for the PMPD thruster
- Defining thermal operating environments and control methods
The thruster prototype is still undergoing geometry optimization and propellant feed system design.
