Growing Launch Vehicle Market Segment to Benefit from Easy-to-design-in, Cost-efficient Valves Meeting Space Quality Standards

MONTVILLE, N.J.—July 27, 2021—Today, Marotta Controls, a rapidly growing aerospace and defense supplier with a 65-year-plus heritage in spaceflight, announced availability of a new cartridge solenoid valve engineered for small- to medium-lift rockets as well as  small (cube) satellites. The PLV623 is a compact 3-way, 2-position direct acting solenoid valve constructed to control cold inert gases. Marotta’s space-grade valves are designed with minimal parts and common metals—giving customers access to valves offering the high levels of performance and reliability synonymous with the Marotta brand at a price competitive with lower-cost, disposable valves in this sector.

Serving Low Cost, High Quantity Valve Demand

In early 2021, Allied Market Research projected that the CubeSat satellite market will reach $491.3 million by 2027, demonstrating a 15% CAGR from 2020. Logically, there is a related demand increase for smaller, cost-efficient space launch vehicles to service this market. Research indicates that small satellite vehicles encompassed the highest market share in 2019 and are expected to be the largest growth segment by 2027.

“Space launch vehicles vary by application, by payload, by several different factors. It makes sense then that there be products designed to cater to specific missions to ensure the return on investment is there as well as the functionality,” said Maxwell Wolfinger, Vice President, Space Systems, Marotta, Marotta Controls . “The PLV623 was designed for customers seeking to access Marotta’s quality and trusted performance, but within the budgets commensurate with smaller launch vehicles.”

The PLV623 valve’s simplicity enables quick and easy installation. The devices are qualified to the Air Force Space Command’s (AFSC) SMC-S-016 standard and are put through Marotta’s advanced cleaning and testing processes used for all space-bound hardware. This valve reduces part count by more than 50% over similar-spec legacy solenoid valves yielding similar cost savings.

Key specifications include:

  • Measurements: 1.64” x 4.45” (4.1 cm x 11.3 cm)
  • Pressure range: 0 to 5,500 psig (0 to 37.9 MPa)
  • Operating temperature: -65°F to 140°F (-53°C to 60°C)
  • Flow capacity: 0.14” (3.56 mm) ESEOD @ Cd=0.6
  • Weight: <0.9 lb (0.4 kg)
  • Response time: <40 msec

“Inarguably, electronics are getting smarter, smaller, more efficient. Launch vehicles are following suit. Internet connectivity is on a steady rise. The demand for newer and more satellites is outpacing these trends as satellite internet comes to the forefront. We’re proud to be an enabling partner to all the new competitors in this market,” continued Wolfinger.

About Marotta Controls

Founded in 1943, Marotta Controls is a fully-integrated solutions provider which designs, develops, qualifies and manufactures innovative systems and sub-systems for the aerospace and defense sectors. Our portfolio includes pressure, power, motion, fluid, and electronic controls for tactical systems, shipboard and sub-sea applications, satellites, launch vehicles, and aircraft systems. With over 200 patents, Marotta Controls continues to build on its legacy as a highly respected, family-owned small business based in the state of New Jersey. Twitter: @marottacontrols LinkedIn: Marotta Controls, Inc.