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
March 31, 2025

Ice2Thrust and GreenSWaP Unite to Propel Space Sustainability and Energy Innovation
At Ice2Thrust.Space (S4I2T), we are excited to announce our partnership with GreenSWaP, an innovative Pathfinder Portfolio project focused on Green Solar-to-Propellant Water Propulsion. Our collaboration will drive advancements in sustainable propulsion technologies, ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities and energy solutions for Earth. This partnership strengthens our mutual commitment…
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March 19, 2025

Ice2Thrust and E.T.COMPACT Join Forces to Advance Space Mobility and Sustainable Propulsion
Ice2Thrust.Space is partnering with E.T.COMPACT, another pioneering Pathfinder Portfolio project, to drive forward innovation in space propulsion and energy sustainability.Through this collaboration, we will support each other by sharing updates, achievements, and events, enhancing visibility and impact within the global space community. Our joint efforts aim to promote key technological…
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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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Project

Partners

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