Project description
Advanced propulsion system holds promise for circular space economy
As humanity pushes the boundaries of space exploration, the need for sustainable and efficient technologies becomes more critical. The EIC-funded S4I2T project will seek to develop a solar electric water propulsion system. This system will leverage water as a propellant for autonomous spacecraft docking and refuelling, thus promoting economic and environmental sustainability. Key technological innovations include solar-electric water electrolysis propulsion, autonomous proximity operations and in-space water extraction from celestial bodies. These technologies promise a self-sustaining circular space economy powered by solar energy. Through these breakthroughs, S4I2T seeks to position Europe at the forefront of sustainable space mobility, paving the way for long-term, Earth-independent operations and in-space manufacturing.
Objective
The S4I2T project seeks to develop a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solar electric water propulsion system. It aims to use water as a propellant to enable autonomous spacecraft docking and propellant refilling, promoting economic and environmental sustainability and facilitating in-orbit servicing, robotics, and in-space manufacturing. Furthermore, the project explores in-space water extraction and utilization from celestial bodies, contributing to a self-sustaining circular space economy based on solar energy harvesting.
The three technological elements at the project's core are:
1. Solar-Electric Water Electrolysis Propulsion: Water is used as a propellant and decomposed into gaseous oxygen and hydrogen, outperforming traditional chemical propulsion systems. Water's non-toxicity, versatility, and availability make it a cost-effective choice. It also utilizes solar energy for propulsion.
2. Autonomous Proximity/Docking Operations and Propellant Refilling: Water simplifies in-orbit refueling, reducing launch mass and extending satellite lifetimes. This supports in-orbit servicing and assembly, enhancing the impact of solar energy harvesting.
3. In-Space Water Extraction and Utilization: Water extraction from celestial bodies combined with the other technologies creates a self-sustainable space mobility infrastructure, offering long-term, Earth-independent operation.
The project aims to achieve several breakthroughs in developing a novel solar-powered propulsion system, addressing technological challenges and bottlenecks. It includes the development and lab demonstration of innovative components for a Solar Electric Water Electrolysis Propulsion System, autonomous proximity/docking algorithms, and end-to-end In-Space Resource Utilization (ISRU) validation.
Ultimately, the S4I2T project strives to position Europe as a leader in solar-energy-powered space mobility, fostering a sustainable and self-sustaining space economy.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques.
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyspace exploration
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringastronautical engineeringspacecraft
- natural scienceschemical scienceselectrochemistryelectrolysis
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technology
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringrobotics
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Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC GrantsCoordinator
80333 Muenchen
Germany