The consortium continues the activity started under COMPET-3-2016-a to develop, build and test to TRL6/7 the first European Plug and Play Gridded Ion Engine Standardised Electric Propul-sion Platform (GIESEPP) to operate ArianeGroup ion engines with option of alternative thrusters, for a medium power application.
The consortium’s intention is
• to reach a TRL6/7 of the medium power system with at least partial qualification to allow flight readiness
• to improve European competitiveness in this field by
+ optimising industrialisation both on thruster unit and EPS level
+ increasing the GIE systems production capacities
+ significantly reducing the recurring costs
• and to maintain and secure the European non-dependence on this crucial technological field.
The project will significantly advance design and development of this standardised electric propulsion platform for GEO (and MEO) applications:
- In order to cope with challenging mission scenarios, dual mode functionality of the thrusters will be realised. This ensures that the beneficial high ISP characteristics of Gridded Ion Engines are maintained, whilst also offering the flexibility for a competitive higher thrust mode
- Activities will be covered not only by the competence of experts in their respective fields but also by the use of advanced Engineering Models (EM), respectively Qualification Models (EQM)
- The GIESEPP systems will not be limited to xenon as an operating medium; assessment will be performed to ensure functionality with alternative propellants
- The proposal will describe the roadmap to higher TRL beyond 2023/2024, providing a cost competitive EPS that will meet the highest standards for an industrialised, rapid production process
- The anticipated business case is targeted for long term exploitation up to 2030 strengthening Europe s technological and economical competitiveness in a very fast changing market environment
With its focus on maximized efficiency GIESEPP MP offers a most appropriate answer to increasing needs for flexible versatile spacecrafts, in particular for communications and explorations, while ensuring the lowest impact on the environment both on earth at tests and in space.
