Description du projet
Le système de propulsion ionique des petits satellites gagne en maturité
De nombreuses sociétés de technologie spatiale projettent de lancer des essaims de petits satellites au cours des prochaines années. Les petits satellites, comparés à leurs homologues plus grands, limitent le coût des véhicules de lancement et les coûts associés à la construction. De plus, ils pourraient contribuer à établir des services Internet à l’échelle mondiale et à fournir des données météorologiques plus précises. La société française ThrustMe développe des solutions de propulsion intelligentes qui prolongent la durée de vie des satellites et optimisent leur capacité en orbite. Le projet EMBRACE, financé par l’UE, se concentrera sur l’un des produits de la société, un système de propulsion entièrement intégré basé sur la technologie des propulseurs ioniques à grilles. L’objectif consiste à amener la technologie à un niveau de maturité plus élevé, de l’état de prototype (TRL 6) à un système complet et qualifiable (TRL 8).
Objectif
Emerging from Ecole polytechnique and CNRS, ThrustMe leverages more than 10 years of EU-supported applied research in satellites propulsion technology. ThrustMe has developed a unique miniaturized propulsion system, based on a patented technology, combining ion propulsion with techniques used in semiconductor industry. EMBRACE aims at delivering the first industrialized ion thruster available providing high performance mobility for small satellites. EMBRACE will make possible a sustainable space industry by closing new space business models and mitigating space debris for all space actors.
EMBRACE ambition is to transform a very promising TRL6 proof of concept, supported by the community and future clients, into an industrialized TRL8 system ready to address its first targets, then all satellites markets sub-segments. With more than 10 000 small satellites expected to be launched within the next decade, the new space industry needs, on a very short term, high-preforming propulsion systems to extend mission capabilities and lifetime! Traditional propulsion systems cannot be re-engineered to deliver such performances for the cost-capped high-batch-production new space paradigm.
To succeed, ThrustMe has put together a team of recognized scientists, engineers, and confirmed business talents, backed by a renowned advisory board. The company holds exclusive rights on key patents and know-how. In 2017, it has secured funding through a seed round of €1.7M.
EMBRACE specific objectives are to prepare for an international market access, validate design and functionalities, realize a test and qualification campaign, set up a pilot line for industrialization, implement dissemination and communication as well as management activities. EMBRACE will accelerate and leverage the commercialization of ThrustMe’s technology and ensure Europe worldwide leadership in a nascent competitive environment. ThrustMe plans to achieve a turnover of €38M with a market share of 15% in 2025.
Champ scientifique
Programme(s)
Régime de financement
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2Coordinateur
91370 VERRIERES LE BUISSON
France
L’entreprise s’est définie comme une PME (petite et moyenne entreprise) au moment de la signature de la convention de subvention.