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The unique modular propulsion system suitable for all small satellites from 1 to 500 kg

Objective

Several players are investing in Constellations of Satellites to provide customers services as global imaging in near real time, telephone & internet coverage, monitoring of ships, airplanes, fires etc. The global market of this new space race, worth 2.2 B$ in 2016, is expected to increase to 5.3 B$ in 2021. Many manufacturers are trying to disrupt market by lowering manufacturing costs, but the most difficult component to acquire remains the propulsion system: these satellites, in fact, work without a propulsion system, resulting in high replacement rates (once per year), limited orbit manoeuvres, difficulties in flight formation, passive deorbiting not sufficient to put satellites into graveyard orbits at their end of life.
AMR propulsion aims to solve these problem with a unique, modular product: the IFM Micro Thruster, a compact, modular propulsion system suitable for all small satellites ranging 1-500 kg, with the highest propellant efficiency, capable of controlling satellites’ position with an unprecedented accuracy, perfectly suitable for single CubeSats as well as for big constellations of satellites (>100). The core, proprietary technology is based on a widely tested (13,000+ h) thruster developed for large satellite control in future ESA missions, specifically re-engineered to fit the space and mass constraints of small satellites. The thruster is based on a 2D array of porous tungsten needle-shaped emitters, capable of giving high stability and high reliability to the plasma thrust.
During Phase 2 project, AMR will design and engineer the qualified model (i.e. the commercial version) of the IFM Micro Thruster; design and install an ISO-9001 certified production line, and will demonstrate and validate the technology with relevant customers. The overall goal is to reach full commercialization of IFM Micro Thruster at the end of Phase 2.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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.

SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-SMEInst-2016-2017

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Coordinator

ENPULSION GmbH
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 1 170 277,50
Address
VIKTOR KAPLAN-STRASSE 2
2700 WIENER NEUSTADT
Austria

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Ostösterreich Niederösterreich Niederösterreich-Süd
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
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Total cost

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.

€ 1 671 825,00
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