The proposed project is based on the Advanced Electric Propulsion Diagnostic (AEPD) system recently developed within ESA/ESTEC contract N# 20461/06/NL/CP.The AEPD system consists of a high precision five-axis positioning system and currently 5 diagnostic tools (telemicroscope, triangular laser head, pyrometer, Faraday probe, energy-selective mass spectrometer). The capabilities of the AEPD system were demonstrated in two vacuum facilities of different sizes and with two different types of thrusters (GIE - RIT 22 - and HET - PPS1350 or SPT100 -.

The first steps have been taken to establish a non-explosive, harmless Indium-based 100W electric propulsion system for small and medium satellites. The activity successfully developed a breadboard that included all necessary functions for controlling a micro thruster, including temperature sensing and control, generation of the high voltage supplies for the ion emitter and extractor as well as heating and bias voltage supply for the charge balancing.

Since 2003 ESA has promoted studies in order to establish scientific requirements, identify the most appropriate measurement techniques, start the associated technology developments, and define the system scenarios for a Next-Generation Gravity Mission (NGGM). Such a mission will make use of the Low-Low Satellite-to-Satellite Tracking (LL-SST) technique to monitor the temporal variations of the Earth gravity field over a long time span but with much higher spatial resolution and with improved temporal resolution.

A set of tools has been developed to enable assessment of the feasibility of ultra-low thrust transfers in regions of multi-body gravity field influence. Aspects include:

This project set out to develop a range of advanced particle filters suitable for satellite propulsion applications.

ESPSS is concerned with setting up a common European platform for propulsion system simulation. Such a common platform is identified as crucial in order to strengthen the European company’s competence in propulsion system modelling. ESPSS is proposed as a framework for continuous cooperation on space propulsion systems between European industries working on such kind of systems.