Q&A Benchmark Space Systems
Revolutionizing in-space propulsion Ryan McDevitt, Benchmark’s Founder and CEO
Benchmark Space Systems has evolved from developing propulsion systems for cube sats to providing sophisticated hardware, software, and operational expertise enabling precise mobility in space. We talked to Ryan McDevitt, Benchmark’s Founder and CEO to find out more about the company’s remarkable technology.
Satellite Evolution Global
Crispin Littlehales, Executive Editor, Satellite Evolution Group
Q&A 16
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Question: What inspired you to found Benchmark and what has surprised you most about the company’s evolution? Ryan McDevitt: In 2014, when I got my PhD, I was watching companies like Planet and Spire use cube sats to do cool stuff in space. I was excited and inspired by that, but I also thought there was an opportunity for a company with a focus on propulsion to contribute to the missions of all these small sat companies. What has been surprising is how much the falling costs of launch have increased opportunities for satellites to get into orbit and to witness the evolution from the very small satellites to larger satellites that are performing very complex applications like viewing climate change from space using hyperspectral imaging. Question: As we increase the number of satellites that go up, we have some serious issues with crowding and collisions. Isn’t propulsion key to addressing those ills? Ryan McDevitt: We have been advocates and thought leaders for the responsible use of space from the moment we started the company. Our products are very well suited to being a low cost, reliable solution to this problem that is facing everyone. Last year, we introduced our COLA
Benchmark and AFRL are unleashing ASCENT as a viable safer green propellant. Photo courtesy AFRL
www.satellite-evolution.com | February 2024
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