A next generation solar electric
water propulsion system

Solar-Electric Water <br>Electrolysis Propulsion

Solar-Electric Water
Electrolysis Propulsion

Utilising water as a propellant, decomposed by an electrolyser into hydrogen and oxygen for subsequent use in a thruster, this system aims to achieve the highest specific impulse (ISP) of all storable chemical propulsion systems. Water’s non-toxicity, versatility, and availability make it a cost-effective choice, while solar energy powers the electrolyser.

Autonomous Proximity/Docking <br>Operations and Propellant Refilling

Autonomous Proximity/Docking
Operations and Propellant Refilling

Leveraging machine learning and the available gaseous propellants, water significantly simplifies in-orbit refilling, reducing launch mass and extending satellite lifetimes. This supports in-orbit servicing and assembly, enabling a holistic space mobility architecture.

In-Space Water Extraction<br>and Utilization

In-Space Water Extraction
and Utilization

Demonstrating the world’s first In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) end-to-end process chain, in which water is extracted from icy regolith and subsequently used by a Solar-Electric Water Propulsion System, effectively turning ice into thrust. The combination of water extraction from celestial bodies with the two other elements enables a self-sustainable space mobility infrastructure and long-term earth-independent spacecraft operations.

The Project

The project seeks to offer a high-performance platform enabling 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.

Ultimately, the project strives to position Europe as a leader in solar-energy-powered space mobility, fostering a self-sustaining space economy. Ice2Thrust.Space has a strong interdisciplinary dimension and is utilising the extensive expertise ranging from system engineering to electrochemistry to robotics and propulsion, which all of the project partners contribute to the consortium – TUM, EnduroSat, University of Luxembourg, and Tech Tour.

Latest News
February 27, 2025

Meet the Ice2Thrust partners: University of Luxembourg
Please briefly introduce yourself and tell us more about your current position?  My name is Miguel Olivares-Mendez, and I am the head of the Space Robotics Research Group as well as a Professor of Space Robotics at the University of Luxembourg. I am pleased to work alongside 23 exceptional researchers…
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February 18, 2025

Meet the Ice2Thrust partners: EnduroSat
Please briefly introduce yourself and tell us more about your current position?  My name is Stanislav Dimitrov. I work as a Systems Engineer at EnduroSat, a satellite manufacturer and space infrastructure builder. EnduroSat specializes in designing, building, and operating satellites, along with providing all necessary space and ground services for…
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February 18, 2025

Meet the Ice2Thrust partners: Technical University of Munich
Please briefly introduce yourself and tell us more about your current position?  My name is Tom Mrazek, I am a PhD candidate at the Chair of Space Propulsoin and Mobilty at TU Munich, as well as the Ice2Thrust Portfolio Manager. As part of my PhD, I am developing an attitude…
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Project

Partners

© 2024 Ice2thrust – Ice2Thrust.Space (S4I2T) is an EU-funded project [GA number 101161690] – PRIVACY POLICY
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© 2024 Ice2thrust 
Ice2Thrust.Space (S4I2T) is an
EU-funded project [GA number 101161690] 
PRIVACY POLICY
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