Imagine a satellite's engine needs a very precise power adapter to run efficiently. This project is building a smarter, cheaper 'power brick' that allows the engine to handle a much wider range of energy levels. It's like upgrading a car's electrical system so it can switch between city driving and racing without needing different parts.
Satellite contractors face increasing pressure to reduce costs while expanding mission capabilities. Current Electric Propulsion Systems are often too expensive or too rigid in their power delivery to meet these evolving market demands.
Five PPU building blocks (Anode module, Digital processing module, Magnet power converter, DAB digital controller, and Planar transformer) and a high-voltage operation map for Hall-Effect Thrusters.
If you are a satellite manufacturer dealing with high launch costs and rigid mission capabilities — this project developed a versatile Power Processing Unit (PPU) that allows thrusters to operate across a 2-7kW range. This reduces the need for multiple specialized systems, lowering overall mission costs.
If you are a space infrastructure provider dealing with the need for rapid deployment of versatile assets — this project developed five key PPU building blocks. These components enable the creation of disruptive and economic propulsion systems that can adapt to various mission profiles.
If you are a power electronics SME dealing with the challenge of adapting Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors for harsh space environments — this project developed a digital processing module and planar transformers. This provides a blueprint for high-voltage, high-efficiency power conversion in orbit.
It focuses on developing a more economic Power Processing Unit (PPU), which has a strong impact on the overall cost and performance of Electric Propulsion Systems.
The project aims to give the consortium industry the capacity to develop disruptive PPUs by 2025, indicating a transition toward industrial capability.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the project develops five generic building blocks for the PPU.
The project period runs from 2023-01-01 to 2026-06-30, with the goal of providing industry capacity by 2025.
The PPU is designed to drive and deliver electrical power to Hall-Effect Thrusters (HET), specifically mapping a large domain of 2-7kW and 250-700V.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven, with 5 out of 6 partners (83%) being industrial entities, including 2 SMEs. Led by Safran Electronics & Defense and spanning 4 countries (BE, DE, FR, IT), the group is structured for rapid commercial translation rather than pure academic research, with only one university involved.
Contact Safran Electronics & Defense regarding PPU building block integration.
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for the five PPU building blocks.
