Project description
Powering the next generation of low-orbit satellites
Satellites flying closer to Earth can capture sharper images and transmit data faster. However, atmospheric drag quickly pulls them out of orbit. In this context, the ERC-funded BRIDGE project aims to change that with air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP). This is a breakthrough technology that uses atmospheric particles as fuel. The project combines microwave power with magnetic field designs to efficiently ionize air molecules at extremely low pressures. The goal is to demonstrate the system on Earth and chart a path to in-orbit testing. If successful, BRIDGE will make very low Earth orbit missions longer, cheaper, and more sustainable, revolutionising satellite operations.
Objective
Air-breathing electric propulsion (ABEP) offers a game-changing alternative to conventional spacecraft propulsion by using atmospheric particles as propellant, enabling sustained operations in very low Earth orbit (VLEO). This region of space provides advantages like higher spatial resolution and reduced latency, but atmospheric drag drastically shortens satellite lifetimes. ABEP can overcome this challenge, extending mission duration without the need of onboard propellant. BRIDGE aims to leverage the testing, analysis, and insights developed in the BREATHE ERC project to advance a promising early-stage air-breathing electric propulsion technology, based upon a combination of microwave power and novel magnetic field topologies to achieve high ionization efficiency at very-low pressures. The key objectives of BRIDGE are: (i) optimizing the trade-off between atmospheric propellant collection and ionization, and (ii) demonstrating the concept functionality on-ground and extrapolating performance to flight conditions, and (iii) developing a roadmap for in-orbit demonstration and commercialization of the technology, paving the way for cost-effective and sustainable VLEO space assets with broad scientific and commercial applications.
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.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering astronautical engineering spacecraft
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
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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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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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) ERC-2025-POC
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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.
56127 Pisa
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.