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
20/08/2026

New Publication: Water Transport Moder for Cathode-Vapour-Feed Electrolysers

Modelling the water flow at the heart of next-generation Water Electrolysis Propulsion Ice2Thrust has published a new scientific paper, “Water Transport Model for Cathode-Vapour-Feed Electrolysers,” accepted for publication in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Faraday Discussions. The work will be presented at the Faraday Discussion on “Bridging electrochemical devices across…
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02/06/2026

Ice2Thrust.Space and SpaceVantage: Joining Forces to Build Europe’s Future Space Workforce

To maximise impact and align with Europe’s long-term vision for space, Ice2Thrust.Space is partnering with SpaceVantage, an EU-funded initiative (Grant Agreement No. 101246589) dedicated to strengthening Europe’s future space workforce by bridging education and industry. SpaceVantage develops future-ready skills, adaptive learning pathways, and sustainable education–industry collaboration models that embed digital,…
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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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