The Most Efficient Space Propulsion Ever Put in Space

Project Information

HYPERION

Grant agreement ID: 101163320

DOI

10.3030/101163320

Project closed

EC signature date 9 June 2024

Start date 1 July 2024

End date 30 June 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 3 571 427,50

EU contribution

€ 2 499 999,00

Coordinated by

ION-X SAS
France

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - HYPERION (The Most Efficient Space Propulsion Ever Put in Space)

Reporting period: 2024-07-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The current propulsion systems for small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) are limited, lacking compactness, power, cost-effectiveness, fuel efficiency, scalability, and adaptability. These limitations hinder satellite capabilities and shorten their lifespans, which is a growing concern as the number of small satellite constellations is expected to surge in the coming decade. Companies like SpaceX and Amazon plan to launch thousands of new satellites to meet increasing demands for communication and earth observation.
A significant challenge in the space industry is the limited delta-v capabilities of small satellites, restricting them to predetermined orbits and increasing collision risks. Advanced propulsion systems could mitigate these issues by enabling orbital maneuvering, collision avoidance, and safer de-orbiting, thus extending mission durations and functionalities.
To enhance small satellite capabilities, there is a critical need for propulsion systems that are compact, powerful, cost-efficient, fuel-effective, scalable, and adaptable. Such systems would extend satellite lifespans, allowing for a broader range of missions and supporting various commercial, technological, and scientific applications.
Additionally, new regulations, such as those from the EU and the US Federal Communications Commission, mandate shorter de-orbit timeframes for satellites, driving the need for advanced propulsion systems to ensure compliance with legal requirements and promote space safety and sustainability.

The objective of our project is to create the most efficient propulsion system for space, helping our customers maximize the value of their in-orbit assets. By addressing the propulsion gap and developing a system with optimal thrust, fuel efficiency, and power consumption, we aim to empower small satellite constellations.

These constellations play crucial roles in global communication, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and strategic objectives. Our efforts support the evolving landscape of spatial data utilization, ensuring the growth of satellite-based technologies in the future.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the last 12 months, ION-X mainly focused its efforts on: (1) the development of its HALO-100X thruster, and (2) delivered, integrated and operated its first on-orbit thruster prototype in the frame of a mission sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA):

1. HALO-100X development
The team continued its development activity for the HALO-100X thruster, taking into account: (1) return of experiences from the manufacturing, integration and operation of the first on-orbit prototype, (2) recommendations from the French Space Agency (CNES) which supports the product development and qualification of the thruster, and (3) insights from environmental testing (radiation, electromagnetic compatibility, vibration, shocks) of prototypes.

This resulted end of June 2025 in a freeze of the design (avionics, tank and propulsive stages), reviewed by the French Space Agency, and ready for manufacturing, tests and validation.

2. EDISON Mission, sponsored by ESA

In 2024, ION-X manufactured the first flight prototype of its HALO-100X engine. Assembly and acceptance, including vibration and thermal cycling tests, were completed successfully.

Subsequently, the engine was successfully integrated onto Space Inventor's EDISON satellite, a Danish company. Sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA), the "EDISON" mission aims to demonstrate new technologies in orbit. The launch took place on January 14, 2025, from California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-12 ride, then ION-X operated its thruster during 6 month, allowing the team to validate a wide range of capabilities, including:
• End-to-end communication between Earth and the thruster, via the satellite
• Embedded software in-flight updates
• Automatic FDIR (Failure Detection, Isolation and Recovery) algorithms
• High-voltage generation and control
• Safe handling and storage of ionic liquid propellant
• Orbital conditions transfers and telemetry management
• Precise control of ionic emission through current-voltage algorithms

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Achieving the orbital deployment of an ION-X engine just three years after the company's inception is a remarkable feat on a global scale within the space ecosystem. It also showcases the team's ability to design, deliver, and integrate an ionic propulsion system for CubeSats.

On May 6th, 2025, ION-X’s thruster emitted its first ion beam in Low Earth Orbit. Triggered by its onboard computer and powered by ION-X’s proprietary Power Processing Unit (PPU), the system successfully generated thrust estimated at 20 µN, with an ion beam of 200µA at 5kV. Ten years after a first under a NASA contract, ION-X demonstration is only the second occurrence worldwide of an ionic liquid electrospray firing in space - and the 1st from a European company.

Very first communication from Earth with the in-space thruster prototype

Integration of a HALO-100X Thruster for a vacuum test at ION-X’s facility @C2N-CNRS

Radiation testing at the Proton Therapy Centre – Curie Institute, in Orsay, France

Lift-off of SpaceX Falcon9 Transporter-12 embedding the EDISON satellite and the first ION-X thruste