Project description
A magnetic leap for space propulsion
The vast expanse of space has long intrigued human imagination, but harnessing its potential for sustainable advancements has proven to be a technological challenge. In this context, the EIC-funded SUPREME project tackles this challenge by harnessing applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters, known for efficiency and scalability. Conventional copper magnets have limited their potential, but high-temperature superconductors offer a solution, providing the required magnetic field efficiently. But it’s not just about technology; SUPREME seeks to validate the commercial viability of this breakthrough. A well-defined business model for sustainable revenues and production upscaling is on the agenda. With magnetic innovation at its core, the project holds the potential to rewrite the rules of space propulsion, opening doors to unprecedented exploration and advancement.
Objective
High-power electric propulsion technology is needed to enable the sustainable realisation of emerging market applications such as On-Orbit
Servicing, in-space cloud computing, debris removal and cis-lunar infrastructure. However, relevant technologies, in terms of cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and performance, are not yet available. The commercialisation of new markets requires more scalable and flexible propulsion solutions.
Applied-Field Magnetoplasmadynamic (AF-MPD) thrusters are a robust, efficient, and scalable Electric Propulsion technology, especially suited for high-power operations thanks to their high thrust levels and power densities. These benefits have motivated their widespread research since the 1960s. The main development limitations have been the thruster lifetime and flight readiness imposed by the use of conventional copper magnets for generating the applied field. These problems can be overcome with the use of High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS), which can provide the required magnetic field for AF-MPD operation in a compact and lightweight system.
Under the leadership of NSS, a start-up commercialising HTS applications in space, SUPREME aims at increasing the flight proficiency of AFMPD by demonstrating the integration of HTS coils and all necessary supporting subsystems in a relevant environment, and the corresponding increase in thruster performance and lifetime. SUPREME also aims to validate the commercialisation potential of the technology by generating a well-defined business model for achieving sustainable revenues and upscaling of production.
The consortium is completed by 2 RIs, an innovative SME, and an OEM. On the academic side, both USTUTT and UT are institutes working at the forefront of disruptive R&D in the key areas of EP, space cryogenics, and HTS systems. PEAK represent a key part of the supply chain for propellant tanks, and Airbus’ will contribute as both a supplier and potential first adopter of the technology.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2022-TRANSITION-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
70174 Stuttgart
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.