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

Project Information

IFM Micro Thruster

Grant agreement ID: 779196

DOI

10.3030/779196

Project closed

EC signature date 19 July 2017

Start date 1 July 2017

End date 31 December 2019

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Space

Total cost

€ 1 671 825,00

EU contribution

€ 1 170 277,50

Coordinated by

ENPULSION GmbH
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - IFM Micro Thruster (The unique modular propulsion system suitable for all small satellites from 1 to 500 kg)

Reporting period: 2018-07-01 to 2019-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

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. Several players 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.
Enpulsion solves these problems with its unique IFM Micro Thruster - a compact, modular propulsion system suitable for all small satellites ranging 1-500 kg. The thruster offers the highest propellant efficiency, capable of controlling satellites’ position with 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 project goal is to engineer the qualified model (i.e. commercial version) of the IFM Micro Thruster; design and install an ISO-9001 certified production line, and demonstrate and validate the technology with relevant customers. The overall goal is to achieve first commercial sales of the IFM Micro Thruster at the end of Phase 2.

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

Within the period, Enpulsion has completed the critical design review and acceptance testing for the IFM Micro Thruster. Testing of the subcomponents demonstrated highly accurate performance and meeting of all requirements. The production line has been successfully installed and components for the IFM Micro Thrusters are in production.

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)

The expected outcome of the project is to start full commercialisation of IFM Micro Thruster as a reliable innovation, validated and accepted by the relevant customers. IFM Micro Thruster will represent a disruptive solution in the field of small satellites, not only because of its unequalled efficiency, flexibility, modularity and reliability, but also for his competitive cost. Enpulsion will also contribute to the creation of new highly qualified jobs and boost economic growth for European SMEs in the field of aerospace.

IFM Micro Thruster