PJP | Plasma Jet Pack

Summary
This project proposes to develop a new electric propulsion module technology. This technology is based on the vacuum arc physic. This concept presents the advantage to store propellant into solid metal. This storage solution allows to largely reduce the complexity of propulsion module and operations (on-ground and in-orbit) constraints. The removal of in-orbit constraints (small impulse bit, no preheating, large total impulse) will pave the way to new propulsion module applications, in addition to the classical ones, and consequently to new satellite missions such as in-flight formation, electric propulsion pointing, continuous accurate altitude control.
The consortium aims at achieving the validation of this propulsion module technology in 3 years (QR level). The team consists in experts from space propulsion, space hardware development and vacuum arc physics. During this project, it is planned to develop and validate building blocks for a family of 3 products which will have increasing performances in thrust, total impulse and specific impulse :
• Plasma Jet Pack 0-30W
• Plasma Jet Pack 0-80W
• Plasma Jet Pack 0-150W
After requirements and potential impact analysis, the first part of the project will be dedicated to building blocks development and qualification : Arc Discharge Chamber (ADC), Plasma Generator Unit (PGU), Power Propulsion Supply and Control Unit (PPSCU).
A second part of the project will be focus on the PJP0-30 with a full development through an Electrical Model and a Qualification Model. This development will largely rely on technology building blocks.
The qualification model will be tested in order to be ready to start the commercialisation phase at the beginning of 2023. Moreover a validation flight is planned during this project at the mid of 2021.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/870444
Start date: 01-01-2020
End date: 30-04-2023
Total budget - Public funding: 1 642 146,00 Euro - 1 640 646,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

This project proposes to develop a new electric propulsion module technology. This technology is based on the vacuum arc physic. This concept presents the advantage to store propellant into solid metal. This storage solution allows to largely reduce the complexity of propulsion module and operations (on-ground and in-orbit) constraints. The removal of in-orbit constraints (small impulse bit, no preheating, large total impulse) will pave the way to new propulsion module applications, in addition to the classical ones, and consequently to new satellite missions such as in-flight formation, electric propulsion pointing, continuous accurate altitude control.
The consortium aims at achieving the validation of this propulsion module technology in 3 years (QR level). The team consists in experts from space propulsion, space hardware development and vacuum arc physics. During this project, it is planned to develop and validate building blocks for a family of 3 products which will have increasing performances in thrust, total impulse and specific impulse :
• Plasma Jet Pack 0-30W
• Plasma Jet Pack 0-80W
• Plasma Jet Pack 0-150W
After requirements and potential impact analysis, the first part of the project will be dedicated to building blocks development and qualification : Arc Discharge Chamber (ADC), Plasma Generator Unit (PGU), Power Propulsion Supply and Control Unit (PPSCU).
A second part of the project will be focus on the PJP0-30 with a full development through an Electrical Model and a Qualification Model. This development will largely rely on technology building blocks.
The qualification model will be tested in order to be ready to start the commercialisation phase at the beginning of 2023. Moreover a validation flight is planned during this project at the mid of 2021.

Status

SIGNED

Call topic

SPACE-13-TEC-2019

Update Date

27-10-2022
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Horizon 2020
H2020-EU.2. INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP
H2020-EU.2.1. INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies
H2020-EU.2.1.6. INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Space
H2020-EU.2.1.6.1. Enabling European competitiveness, non-dependence and innovation of the European space sector
H2020-SPACE-2019
SPACE-13-TEC-2019 SRC – In-Space electrical propulsion and station keeping
H2020-EU.2.1.6.2. Enabling advances in space technology
H2020-SPACE-2019
SPACE-13-TEC-2019 SRC – In-Space electrical propulsion and station keeping