Abstract
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.
Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Fabrizio Ponti
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale
Coordinator:
ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - Università di Bologna(Italy)
Other Participants:
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
(France)
Total Eu Contribution: Euro (EUR) 2.174.735,28
Project Duration in months: 48
Start Date:
01/01/2024
End Date:
31/12/2027
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101135216