The GIESEPP MP project, funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 program, is nearing its conclusion in December 2024, representing a significant advancement in electric propulsion systems for space applications. The project, building on the success of the earlier GIESEPP project, has demonstrated a prototype-like system in relevant conditions, setting new standards for efficiency and performance.
A key milestone was the Electric Propulsion System coupling test campaign, which validated the functional performance of the coupled system, covering crucial mission phases such as orbit raising and station keeping. Market assessments conducted by Airbus have shown promising opportunities for the technology, particularly in GEO, communication satellites, and space exploration missions.
The RIT2X thruster, developed by ArianeGroup Germany, showcases cutting-edge propulsion technology, leveraging Xenon gas for thrust production. The project consortium members are committed to exploring new applications of this technology as they move towards delivering the final product to the market.
Led by ArianeGroup GmbH for thruster engineering and project coordination, the consortium also includes Airbus Defence & Space, Aerospazio Tecnologie, Justus-Liebig Universität Gießen, CRISA, and WIT Berry, each contributing their expertise to the project. Christian Knorr, Project Manager and Consortium Coordinator, expressed enthusiasm for the progress made, stating that Europe has taken a significant step towards high ISP electric propulsion systems with the completion of GIESEPP MP. Industrial scale production is being prepared to serve the European and global market with exceptional electric propulsion products.
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