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AMPSS – Advanced Micro-propulsion for Small Satellites

Project description

Advanced propulsion systems could further develop the potential of small satellites

The market for small satellites is gearing up for a significant expansion in terms of capabilities and demand. The development of dedicated propulsion systems will greatly help microsatellite and nanosatellite platforms realise their potential of replacing their larger counterparts. Currently, only about 20 micro-propulsion systems are available worldwide. The EU-funded AMPSS project is developing micro-propulsion systems that outperform all other ones in terms of performance, fuel efficiency, power consumption, weight, volume and complexity. The powerful, yet cost-efficient, onboard propulsion systems could extend the orbital lifetime of small satellites and expand their application scope.

Objective

The innovative micro-propulsion system AMPSS is a key enabling technology aiming to provide small satellite
platforms with a powerful, yet cost-efficient, on board propulsion system to commercial and scientific operators
of constellations for orbital lifetime extension and constellation management purposes.
AMPSS outperforms all other systems currently on the market with its unique combination of high-performance,
high efficiency, low fuel and power consumption, low specific mass, volume and complexity, high safety and in
combination with a very attractive price.
There will be around 1,190 small satellites in 2025, of which about 830 satellites (70%) will be in constellations.
Thus, the small satellite propulsion system market value will be at about 200 M€ in 2025.
In addition, the low-cost electric small satellite propulsion systems proposed by the BerlinSpace Consortium
will enable national governments of all countries, even development countries and emerging economies, to
build up their own small satellite constellations for Earth observation or communication purposes and use
them for their economic benefits in application domains such as National Security, Agriculture, Forestry,
Natural Resources, Disaster Monitoring and much more.
The company plans on using the information acquired during this Phase I to run large-scale pilot studies in real
case scenarios and prepare for full market launch – after completing the Phase 2 of the SME Instrument as well
- with communication and commercialization activities.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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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.

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-1 - SME instrument phase 1

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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-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020

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Coordinator

BERLIN SPACE CONSORTIUM 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.

€ 50 000,00
Address
BISMARCKSTRASSE 10-12
10625 BERLIN
Germany

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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
Berlin Berlin Berlin
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Links
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.

€ 71 429,00
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