Imagine the power box of a satellite engine as a heavy, expensive brick. This project replaces that brick with a slim, lightweight version using advanced semiconductors. It's like swapping a bulky old desktop computer for a powerful tablet, making the whole satellite easier and cheaper to launch.
Current Power Processing Units for ion thrusters are too heavy, bulky, and expensive, limiting the adoption of high-efficiency propulsion in satellites.
A TRL5 Power Processing Unit (PPU) for Gridded Ion Thrusters featuring GaN semiconductors and integrated Radio Frequency Generation.
If you are a satellite integrator dealing with strict weight limits and high launch costs — this project developed a PPU that offers a 30% to 40% mass reduction. This allows you to use high-efficiency ion thrusters without changing the satellite's structure.
If you are a mission provider dealing with the need for high fuel efficiency over long distances — this project developed a disruptive PPU for Gridded Ion Thrusters. It reduces unit costs by a factor of two while maintaining high performance for MEO and GEO orbits.
If you are a component supplier dealing with the shift toward Gallium Nitride (GaN) and COTS parts — this project developed a validated architecture for power processing. It proves that these materials can reduce volume by 35% in harsh space environments.
The project aims to reduce the cost of the Power Processing Unit by a factor of two compared to current market solutions.
The target market includes GEO, MEO, and deep space applications, averaging 20 satellites per year. The goal is to increase market share from 10-15% up to 30%.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not listed, but the project focuses on securing the EU's autonomy of supply for critical technologies.
By integrating the Radio Frequency Generation unit, the PPU allows Gridded Ion Thrusters to fit into platforms that previously used Hall-Effect Thrusters without requiring structural changes.
The project runs from October 2022 to November 2025, with a business volume forecast extending through 2030.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with an 83% industry ratio, consisting of 5 industrial partners and 1 university across 4 countries. This strong commercial lean, including 2 SMEs, suggests the project is focused on market entry and industrial viability rather than pure academic research.
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