Final testing campaign for GIESEPP MP at Aerospazio premises, Italy

Final testing campaign for GIESEPP MP at Aerospazio premises, Italy

The Horizon 2020 project GIESEPP MP has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its final testing phase, known as the EPS (Electric Propulsion System) Coupling Test, which took place throughout October at the Aerospazio premises in Rapolano Terme, Italy. This test campaign brought together the collaborative efforts of key project partners: Airbus Defence and Space (DS), ArianeGroup, Airbus Crisa, and Aerospazio.

About the EPS coupling test

The primary goal of the EPS (Electric Propulsion System) Coupling Test was to validate the functional performance of the integrated Electric Propulsion System developed under the GIESEPP MP project.

This involved combining the individual development components into a unified test setup, including:

  • ArianeGroup RIT2X thruster
  • Airbus DS flow management system (XFLR)
  • Airbus Crisa PPU (Power Processing Unit) and PHV (Power High Voltage) module

The purpose of this test campaign was not only to assess the combined performance of these elements as a cohesive EPS but also to evaluate each component’s functionality within this coupled system. These tests specifically focused on the Medium Power Propulsion range, examining various operating points essential for mission phases like orbit raising and station keeping.

The testing environment

The tests were conducted at the LVTF-3 test facility, a state-of-the-art environment designed to replicate the challenging conditions of space. The meticulous preparation for these tests ensured that all configurations were precisely set and safety protocols thoroughly implemented. The final closure of the test chamber occurred at 10:00 CET on Tuesday, October 1st, marking the beginning of a carefully orchestrated testing phase.

Collaboration and expertise

The GIESEPP MP project’s success has been driven by the collaborative expertise of the partners involved. Airbus DS, ArianeGroup, and Airbus Crisa joined forces with Aerospazio, a specialist in space technology testing, to conduct the EPS Coupling Test campaign. Their shared knowledge and experience have been critical in pushing the boundaries of electric propulsion technology, enabling the testing and validation of these advanced components under realistic space conditions.

A step towards advanced space propulsion

The completion of this final test campaign represents a crucial step towards the full development and implementation of the GIESEPP MP project. By validating the performance of the integrated EPS and its individual components, the project aims to pave the way for future space missions requiring reliable and efficient propulsion systems.

The successful execution of the EPS Coupling Test highlights the potential of electric propulsion systems in supporting a range of mission phases, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and versatile space operations.

The GIESEPP MP team, backed by their commitment to innovation and technological advancement, continues to drive the development of next-generation propulsion systems that will play a vital role in the future of space exploration and satellite technology.

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