Project description
High-efficiency electric propulsion technology for low Earth orbit satellites
Electrically powered spacecraft propulsion systems use electrical energy from the solar panel to change spacecraft velocity. Unlike chemical systems, electric propulsion requires very little mass to accelerate a spacecraft. The high-efficiency multistage plasma thruster (HEMPT) uses such an electric propulsion system. The EU-funded HEMPT-NG2 project will contribute to further increasing the competitiveness of electric propulsion systems for space by developing an integrated solution based on HEMPT technology for low Earth orbit satellites. The availability of competitive electric propulsion systems is key to the success of the European space sector and the emerging space applications. The project will also reduce Europe's dependency on foreign suppliers for critical space technologies and components, ensuring independent access to space.
Objective
The objective of the HEMPT-NG2 consortium is to continue to develop, simulate, build and qualify the High Efficiency Multistage Plasma Thruster – Next Generation (HEMPT-NG2) system, with the application to operate a LEO-Thruster for use of station keeping, orbit raising and orbit manoeuvring of satellites in constellations. The HEMPT-NG2 project will contribute to increase the competitiveness of space electrical propulsion systems developed in Europe by developing an integrated solution based on the HEMPT (Highly Efficient Multistage Plasma Thruster) technology for the different LEO satellites. This project will increase the capacity to compete within a worldwide market in term of cost, performances and production capacity. The availability of such competitive electrical propulsion system is a key to the success of the European space sector and the emerging space applications. HEMPT-NG will also reduce dependency to foreign supplier to ensure an independent access to space in Europe. So the interest of the whole consortium (Aerospazio Tecnologie SARL, ASP & Space GmbH, University Greiswald, Thales Alenia Space Belgium, Thales Alenia Space UK and Thales Germany) is to increase the competitiveness of space electrical propulsion systems developed in Europe by developing an integrated solution based on the HEMPT technology for the LEO satellites. The HEMPT technology has significant advantages compared to the other electrical propulsion technologies that are currently available (Hall effect thrusters and Grid ion thrusters). The lower mass and the ability to choose between high thrust and low propellant consumption operations will allow lighter or more powerful satellites. Low erosion will significantly improve the life duration of the thrusters. And finally the replacement of the xenon by the krypton that is more common in the atmosphere will lower the economic and ecological cost for satellite propellant.
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Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
71254 Ditzingen
Germany