Project description
Innovative modular propulsion for satellites
The rapidly growing new space market demands innovative propulsion systems for small satellites. However, the 200 W-class propulsion segment remains underdeveloped, leaving a critical gap in capabilities for in-orbit manoeuvres, docking, and extended missions. Challenges include optimising propellant efficiency, reducing electrode erosion, and achieving modular designs for versatile applications. Addressing these issues is crucial for advancing satellite performance and supporting the European space strategy. With this in mind, the EU-funded MP2S project aims to bridge this gap by developing a modular Pulsed MPD Arc Discharge Chamber propulsion system. With expertise from leading industry and research pioneers, MP2S integrates cutting-edge plasma physics, simulation tools, and additive manufacturing.
Objective
MP2S is an innovative project, aiming at filling the gap on the 200W class propulsion modules, this power segment being largely popularized by the new space market actors. The main goal of the project is to mature and develop up to TRL5 a Pulsed MPD Arc Discharge Chamber as a building block for an electrical pulse propulsion modular concept. The Consortium is composed of high level specialists, representing Industry: COMAT, ENDUROSAT and Plasma Solve and Research and Technology Organizations: CNRS (two Laboratories: ICARE and LAPLACE), University of Stuttgart. They have a broad experience and know-how in the area of electric propulsion, Plasma physics, simulation, tests, mass manufacturing and business model for space.
CNRS and University of Stuttgart will perform experiments and modelisation for a better understanding of physical phenomena of pulsed propulsion. That will allow to characterize different propellant choices, current discharge wave form and magnetic topology. The Consortium will also perform studies to optimize the cathode erosion in pulsed mode, allowing to design new electrodes for a significantly increased thruster total impulsion. Then, PlasmaSolve will customize a software able to simulate different configuration of the P-MPD thruster. Design iterations will be performed to reach the required level of performance. Based on those results, the integrated Pulse MPD building block (with integrated fluid management system) will be developed and validated, with outstanding performances.
The modularity and versatility of the propulsion module will bring value to the satellite and enable new in-orbit mission design by Endurosat(ie docking). The industrial strategy will ensure competitive cost, mass production capacity and easy assembly, thanks to additive manufacturing technology and plug and thrust concept. The MP2S partners will disseminate this disruptive and modular solution within the new space market while supporting the European space strategy.
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.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics topology
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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.2.4 - Digital, Industry and Space
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.4.10 - Space, including Earth Observation
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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-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
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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-CL4-2023-SPACE-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.
31130 Flourens
France
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
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.