Project description
Integrating electric and water plasma technologies in sustainable spacecraft propulsion
Conventional spacecraft propellants have significant drawbacks in terms of safety, efficiency and environmental impact, limiting sustainable space exploration. The WET project, supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, aims to establish water-based electric propulsion as a key technology for future space missions. WET will consolidate and comparatively assess different water-based propulsion concepts, evaluate the feasibility of water-compatible components and model the underlying water plasma physics, supported by dedicated diagnostic tools and upgraded testing facilities. The project will also foster networking and knowledge exchange among leading research groups. Adopting a system-oriented perspective, WET will contribute to future propulsion architectures for emerging space applications. The work will build a shared knowledge base to support future standardisation efforts and more sustainable propulsion technology.
Objective
The WET project aims to establish water-electric propulsion technology as a standard choice for future space missions. Through a multifaceted approach, the project will address several interconnected aspects: (i) the architectural and conceptual design of a water-based electric thruster, (ii) feasibility analysis of converting the thruster's building blocks to water, focusing on neutralizers, (iii) assessment of water plasma cross-sections using theoretical and numerical approaches to enhance understanding of underlying physics, and (iv) feasibility analysis of a toolbox comprising diagnostic and measurement tools dedicated to water-based plasma, alongside upgrades to testing facilities to accommodate water thrusters. Targeting the 500 – 1000 W range, the project aims to cater to the SmallSats segment with flexibility for potential deep-space applications. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring mutual interactions between each aspect to establish a common knowledge base and lay the groundwork for future standardization. This sustainable approach will provide a catalyst for relevant follow-up activities. By the project's end, conceptual development of this technology is expected to reach TRL 2/3.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering astronautical engineering spacecraft
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences physical sciences classical mechanics fluid mechanics fluid dynamics
- natural sciences physical sciences plasma physics
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electrical engineering power engineering
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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-TMA-MSCA-SE - HORIZON TMA MSCA Staff Exchanges
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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-MSCA-2023-SE-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
40126 Bologna
Italy
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.