Project description
Supercharging the next generation of satellite thrusters
Propellant-efficient electric thrusters offer new opportunities for satellite propulsion. Within these thruster systems, those that use magnetic nozzles for plasma acceleration represent a promising technology in this field, avoiding the use of cathodes. Nonetheless, enhancing their efficiency remains a challenging task. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MAGNETA project aims to optimise the key processes within electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) magnetic-nozzle thrusters. Through research into microwave excitation and fundamental plasma physics, with particular focus on electron temperature distribution, the project will develop an optimised prototype of an ECR magnetic-nozzle thruster. This innovation in plasma acceleration technology will pave the way for future missions using small satellites, guaranteeing European dominance in the space industry.
Objective
In the context of reduction of the spacecraft size, low power electric propulsion devices have replaced the chemical propulsion traditionally used. Among the different technologies, one particular type produces and ejects a plasma in a diverging magnetic field, called magnetic nozzle. Such devices are said electrodeless because they do not need a cathode to neutralise the plasma beam. The absence of this element simplifies considerably their architecture and reduces significantly their risk of failure. In this project, we propose to investigate new levers to increase the efficiency of an Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) thruster to build MAGNETA: A Magnetic Nozzle ECR Thruster with Augmented performance. Aided by an in-depth study of the fundamental mechanisms at stake in the production and the acceleration of a plasma in a magnetic nozzle, we will propose a simple design and build a prototype able to operate in a wide range of conditions and span different regimes with a precise control of the performance. First, an investigation of innovative microwave patterns and ECR heating zone shapes and their impact on the performance of an ECR source will be led. Aided by experts in microwave engineering, this study will result in a new design of ECR source with an optimised microwave and magnetic scheme. Second, a Thomson scattering experiment will be set up to measure the two components of the electron temperature in the plasma in expansion in the magnetic nozzle of the device. These experimental data, never measured, will guide the development of a two-temperature fluid model of plasma expansion in a diverging magnetic field. This step is essential to propose custom and optimised magnetic nozzle topologies for electrodeless thrusters. Finally, the last step corresponds to the prototyping of MAGNETA, which will feature an innovative microwave pattern and an improved magnetic topology to outperform the state-of-the-art technologies.
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
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics particle accelerator
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics topology
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
GU2 7XH Guildford
United Kingdom
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.