OKB Fakel

OKB Fakel (Конструкторское бюро «Факел» (КБ «Факел»)) is a Russian design bureau specializing in the development and manufacture of electric propulsion systems for spacecraft. Located in Kaliningrad, Russia, it is a major provider of stationary plasma thrusters (SPTs), also known as Hall-effect thrusters, and other electric propulsion technologies used for orbit maintenance, station-keeping, and interplanetary travel.

Fakel began its work on electric propulsion in the 1960s. Its SPTs have been used on a variety of Russian and international spacecraft, including geostationary communications satellites, navigation satellites, and scientific missions. They are recognized for their reliability and efficiency, enabling longer mission durations and increased payload capacity.

The organization designs, develops, and tests its thrusters in-house. It provides a full range of services, from initial design and prototyping to mass production and integration support. Fakel continues to research and develop new electric propulsion technologies, including advanced Hall-effect thrusters and gridded ion engines, to meet the growing demands of the space industry.

The name "Fakel" translates to "Torch" or "Flame" in Russian, reflecting the plasma discharge that is characteristic of the electric propulsion systems it develops.