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EU funding (€3,998,500): High Efficiency Multistage Plasma Thruster - Next Generation 2 Hor20 Nov 2020 EU Research and Innovation programme "Horizon"

Overview

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High Efficiency Multistage Plasma Thruster - Next Generation 2

The objective of the HEMPT-NG2 consortium is to continue to develop, simulate, build and qualify the High Efficiency Multistage Plasma Thruster – Next Generation (HEMPT-NG2) system, with the application to operate a LEO-Thruster for use of station keeping, orbit raising and orbit manoeuvring of satellites in constellations. The HEMPT-NG2 project will contribute to increase the competitiveness of space electrical propulsion systems developed in Europe by developing an integrated solution based on the HEMPT (Highly Efficient Multistage Plasma Thruster) technology for the different LEO satellites. This project will increase the capacity to compete within a worldwide market in term of cost, performances and production capacity. The availability of such competitive electrical propulsion system is a key to the success of the European space sector and the emerging space applications. HEMPT-NG will also reduce dependency to foreign supplier to ensure an independent access to space in Europe. So the interest of the whole consortium (Aerospazio Tecnologie SARL, ASP & Space GmbH, University Greiswald, Thales Alenia Space Belgium, Thales Alenia Space UK and Thales Germany) is to increase the competitiveness of space electrical propulsion systems developed in Europe by developing an integrated solution based on the HEMPT technology for the LEO satellites. The HEMPT technology has significant advantages compared to the other electrical propulsion technologies that are currently available (Hall effect thrusters and Grid ion thrusters). The lower mass and the ability to choose between high thrust and low propellant consumption operations will allow lighter or more powerful satellites. Low erosion will significantly improve the life duration of the thrusters. And finally the replacement of the xenon by the krypton that is more common in the atmosphere will lower the economic and ecological cost for satellite propellant.


Funded Companies:

Company name Funding amount
ADVANCED SPACE POWER EQUIPMENT GmbH €870,011
Aerospazio Tecnologie Srl €500,325
AST ADVANCED SPACE TECHNOLOGIES GmbH €475,591
HITACHI RAIL GTS DEUTSCHLAND GmbH €389,599
Thales Alenia Space Belgium SA €299,963
Thales Alenia Space UK Ltd. €210,172
THALES DEUTSCHLAND GmbH €1,062,838
UNIVERSITAET GREIFSWALD €190,000

Source: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101004140

The filing refers to a past date, and does not necessarily reflect the current state.