ExpectedOutcome:
Future applications will require Electric Propulsion products. However, since the exact evolution of space infrastructure and markets cannot be predicted, the development of technology building blocks is an adequate approach to better react and to adapt to needs.
Therefore, this topic aims at increasing the effort for maturing technologies and generic building blocks towards both incremental and disruptive technologies for Electric Propulsion systems products up to TRL 5/6 for thruster components, electric power architecture and products, as well as fluidic management systems and components. Furthermore, the topic addresses next generation industrial manufacturing processes and support to activities intending to allow in orbit demonstration/validation (IOD/IOV).
Projects are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:
- Strengthen, in the medium term, the European capacity to compete worldwide in electric propulsion satellites and missions
- Technologies matured to at least TRL 5/6 at component level
- Matured industrialisation aspects for high TRL solutions
- Contribution to the preparation of the evolution of electric propulsion systems including Hall Effect Thrusters (HET), Gridded Ion Engines (GIE), High Efficiency Multistage Plasma Thrusters (HEMPT), in four power classes (very low up to 0,3 kW; low: 0,3-1,5 kW; medium 3- 7 kW; high 12-20 kW).
Scope:
The areas of R&I, which need to be addressed to tackle the above-expected outcomes, are:
1) R&I on generic building blocks technologies for thruster components (anode configuration, magnetic nozzle, cathode, materials, alternative propellants, new manufacturing processes).
2) R&I on electrical power architecture and related components (Power Processing Unit, direct drive, etc.).
3) R&I on fluidic management system and related components.
Proposal may address one or several of the above mentioned areas and should consider aspects of manufacturing, standardisation, diagnostics, characterisation in order to serve next generation industrial manufacturing processes.
The scope of activities includes, where appropriate, the preparation of IOD/IOV demonstration(s).
Proposals are expected to promote cooperation between different actors (industry, SMEs and research institutions) and consider opportunities to quickly turn technological innovation into commercial space usage.
Further reference is given in a technical guidance document[1]. Technical documents of the previous studies in the H2020 Strategic Research Cluster Electric Propulsion[2] are available on the EPIC website.
In this topic the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content is not a mandatory requirement.
Specific Topic Conditions:
Activities are expected to achieve TRL5-6 by the end of the project – see General Annex B.
Cross-cutting Priorities:
Digital Agenda
[1]Published on the EU funding and tenders portal (https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal)
[2]www.epic-src.eu
