In the frame of the European research and innovation programme, industrial actors and researchers are advancing and standardising electric propulsion systems that use grids to speed up ions and generate thrust. Designed as plug-and-play solutions, these systems should offer satellite providers flexible, tailored options for medium-power applications. The market of commercial communication satellites is undergoing a radical transformation. As the cost per gigabit per second for communication services drops, the ability to quickly bring services to market and reduce service lead times is becoming increasingly crucial.

In this evolving market, electrical propulsion systems offer the opportunity to increase fuel efficiency by an order of magnitude compared to traditional chemical propulsion systems. However, electrical propulsion systems could take longer to reach their final orbit. GIESEPP MP will create the first European plug-and-play standardised electric propulsion platform based on gridded ion thruster technology that can operate ArianeGroup’s ion engines, with the flexibility to incorporate alternative thrusters. At the heart of this platform is the ArianeGroup RIT2X thruster, complemented by a radio-frequency generator, an Airbus Crisa power processing unit and an Airbus DS fluid management system. All of these elements are designed to deliver not only top-notch technical performance but are also created with cost efficiency and industrial standards in mind, paving the way for high volume production.

The full article detailing the GIESEPP MP project’s progress and results can be read on Cordis.