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.

Early Adopters Programme — Now Open

We are inviting 30+ organisations to join our Early Adopters Programme over the next 12 months (Sept 2026–Aug 2027).

Share your mission requirements, help shape Ice2Thrust before market launch, and get first insight into refill-ready water electrolysis propulsion. Early access can lead to commercial partnership.

Quick and easy — the form takes under 3 minutes to complete.

Express interest

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
10/09/2026

Ice2Thrust Launches Early Adopters Programme

30+ organisations. 12 months. A first look at refill-ready in-space propulsion — and a direct hand in shaping it. Ice2Thrust is opening its Early Adopters Programme, inviting 30+ organisations to help shape the project’s water electrolysis propulsion technology before it reaches the market. Running for 12 months from September 2026…
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20/08/2026

New Publication: Water Transport Model 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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