Descrizione del progetto
Tecnologia di propulsione elettrica ad alta efficienza per satelliti in basse orbite terrestri
I sistemi di propulsione dei veicoli spaziali alimentati elettricamente utilizzano l’energia elettrica proveniente dal pannello solare per modificarne la velocità. A differenza dei sistemi chimici, la propulsione elettrica richiede una massa minima per accelerare un veicolo spaziale. Il propulsore al plasma multistadio ad alta efficienza (HEMPT, High-Efficiency Multistage Plasma Thruster) utilizza un tale sistema di propulsione elettrica. Il progetto HEMPT-NG2, finanziato dall’UE, contribuirà ad aumentare ulteriormente la competitività dei sistemi di propulsione elettrica per lo spazio sviluppando una soluzione integrata basata sulla tecnologia HEMPT per satelliti a basse orbite terrestri. La disponibilità di sistemi di propulsione elettrica competitivi è la chiave del successo del settore spaziale europeo e delle applicazioni spaziali emergenti. Il progetto ridurrà inoltre la dipendenza dell’Europa dai fornitori stranieri per tecnologie e componenti spaziali critici, garantendo un accesso indipendente allo spazio.
Obiettivo
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.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
Argomento(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
IA - Innovation actionCoordinatore
71254 Ditzingen
Germania