Smallsat Power Conditioning & Distribution Units

AAC Clyde Space’s SmallSat Power Conditioning and Distribution Unit (PCDU) solutions deliver proven, high-performance power control across a wide range of missions — building a global reputation for reliability, resiliency and performance. 

Proven in Space 

The STARBUCK-MINI continues to define industry standards for small satellite power systems, combining scalability, radiation tolerance and flight heritage in a compact form.
Now upgraded to deliver up to 2.5 kW of solar input power, the latest generation offers even greater capability for next-generation spacecraft. 

Flown on the Intuitive Machines 2024 Lunar Mission 

“Incorporating AAC Clyde Space’s power system into our IM-1 mission Nova-C class lunar lander is not just a choice; it’s a strategic imperative,” said Intuitive Machines President and CEO Steve Altemus. “The Starbuck power system is an essential component powering Nova-C, and our aspirations to open access to the Moon for the progress of humanity.”

The STARUCK-MINI is one of our flagship products and it has been used on several missions; its quickly becoming a standard in the SmallSat universe. Originally, it was the developed for the InnoSat project, delivered by OHB Sweden and financed by Rymdstyrelsen (the Swedish Space Agency).

STARBUCK-MINI is used on Sweden’s MATS satellite which launched in 2022. MATS is a scientific mission which uses optical measurements techniques to investigate atmospheric waves in the mesosphere to get a better understanding of global wind patterns and temperatures as well as the human impact on the global climate. Find out more

AAC Clyde Space is also supplying the STARBUCK-MINI to OHB Sweden for ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS) demonstration mission, a mission which will simultaneously improve weather forecasts in the Arctic region and globally, while enhancing our understanding of climate change.  Find out more

The STARBUCK-MINI is also being used by Astroscale Ltd. for its end-of-life space debris removal service, ELSA-M. Traffic in Low Earth Orbit is increasing exponentially. To respond to the growth and vital services provided by large satellite constellations, the space industry is developing new practices to reduce space debris and clear the orbital highways. Find out more. 

Designed for Reliable Performance 

The latest STARBUCK-MINI delivers up to 2.5 kW of solar array input power — a 67% increase from previous 1.5 kW versions — enabling higher-power payloads and extended mission flexibility.
Its modular, scalable architecture allows configuration with up to 15 modules, ensuring tailored performance to meet diverse mission requirements. 

Modular and Mission Adaptable 

The STARBUCK-MINI adopts a modular design philosophy, allowing tailored configurations through interchangeable power, thermal, and actuator interface modules.
Additional modules can be integrated for deployment mechanisms, magnetorquers, heaters, or motor control, enabling rapid adaptation to customer specifications. 

Reliability Engineered In 

STARBUCK-MINI combines COTS components with radiation-hardened parts, qualified through rigorous environmental testing.
All outputs are protected by current-limiting circuits for maximum resilience, supporting redundant power paths for critical payloads. 

With internal redundancies and single-point failure tolerance, STARBUCK-MINI ensures continuous operation even under the harshest on-orbit conditions. 

Powering Exploration and beyond  

From Lunar landers to Earth-observation missions and space-debris removal, STARBUCK-MINI continues to power spacecraft that shape the future of exploration to sustainability in orbit.

AAC Clyde Space applies the latest design and manufacturing techniques to ensure world-class quality and mission success. What began as a small-satellite innovation has become a proven, space-qualified standard — powering missions beyond Earth. 

ESA is now funding ongoing development to further enhance and standardise the product for future generations.