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Princeton Satellite Systems (PSS), Inc. is a company offering commercial software products for aerospace systems as well as developing small nuclear fusion reactors for space propulsion and terrestrial power generation. Founded in 1992 by the company's president Michael Paluszek and based in Plainsboro New Jersey, PSS has a team of 8 full-time engineers and annual revenues in excess of $1M.
The company has been providing the aerospace industry with software tools since 1995. They supply Matlab control toolboxes, aero/astro control packages for space applications including CubeSats as well as consultation services and training courses.
Through its subsidiary Princeton Fusion Systems, PSS is collaborating with Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL) on a new nuclear fusion technology, Direct Fusion Drive (DFD).
DFD is a direct-drive, fusion-powered rocket engine. Compact and clean-burning, each 1-10 MW DFD engine can produce both power and thrust with a high specific power. Power and propulsion are generated from a single-engine. The technology aims to shorten trip times and increase the capability for a wide variety of space missions. DFD is based on the Princeton Field-Reversed Configuration reactor (PFRC), a technology developed by Dr. Sam Cohen of PPPL.
The PRFC is also intended for terrestrial purposes such as portable, modular power plants that can provide power to off-grid locations.
The project is primarily funded by the Department of Energy and a NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts grant.
