📋 Tender Overview
Building Blocks For Iodine Thruster
Big Advancements In Electric Propulsion For Smallsatsin The Dynamic Landscape Of Space Exploration, Smallsats Have Revolutionised Access To Space With Their Cost-Effectiveness. Solid Iodine Propellant Has Emerged As A Game-Changer, Particularly In Electric Propulsion (Ep) For Smallsats. However, Its Full Potential Is Hindered By Technological Immaturity, Impeding Widespread Adoption. In This Context, The Eu-Funded Boost Project Aims To Advance Iodine-Based Electric Propulsion. It Will Develop Versatile Building Blocks For Thrusters Such As The Grid Ion Thruster (Git) And Hall Effect Thruster (Het), Alongside An Optimised Radio Frequency (Rf) Cathode-Based Neutraliser And Fluidic Subsystem. Additionally, Boost Will Pioneer A Tank System For On-Orbit Servicing, Featuring Smart Cartridge Recharging. These Efforts Will Not Only Drive Standardisation And Industrialisation, But Also Fortify Europe’S Space Prowess.
Funded Under
Digital, Industry And Space
Total Cost
€ 0,00
Eu Contribution
€ 2 174 735,28
Coordinated By
Alma Mater Studiorum - Universita Di Bologna
Italy
Start Date
1 January 2024
End Date
31 December 2027
Objective
In the last decade, SmallSats (mass <500 kg) disrupted the space market since they allow to access space at a markedly lower cost with respect to medium-to-large systems, and this trend is expected to further grow in the next years. Solid iodine propellant has proven to be an enabling technology to consolidate electric propulsion (EP) in the SmallSat market. Nonetheless, its widespread diffusion is still hindered by issues related to the low maturity of this technology. In order to establish the groundwork for a future standardization and industrialization of iodine-based EP, a modular approach will be pursued in the frame of the BOOST project. Different EP building blocks suitable for different types of thrusters (Grid Ion Thruster GIT, Hall Effect Thruster HET) will be developed and assembled reaching TRL 5/6. A neutralizer based on an optimized RF cathode will be designed such as to be compatible with iodine propellant. A fluidic subsystem conceived for iodine propellant will be upgraded and adapted to the system. Moreover, a tank will be developed in optic of on-orbit servicing. In particular, a smart recharging system will be conceived with cartridges of solid propellant that can be stored into the tank during thruster operations. When the cartridge is completely exhausted it shall be extracted and substituted with a new one by a servicing spacecraft. Once every sub-system is completed and preliminary tested, the overall system shall be integrated for the final verifications. The outcomes of the BOOST project shall not only contribute to paving the way to a future standardization and industrialization of several electric propulsion building blocks but will also lead to a stronger space capacity in Europe, making it more attracting to the international stakeholders.
