New Publication: Water Electrolysis as a Key Enabler for Future Space Missions

The Ice2Thrust.Space project has published a new scientific paper exploring water electrolysis as a critical enabling technology for next-generation space missions. The publication examines how water-based propulsion systems can support more sustainable, efficient, and autonomous in-space operations.

The paper provides an overview of recent technological advances in water electrolysis, highlights its advantages as a non-toxic and widely available propellant solution, and discusses its role in enabling long-duration missions, in-orbit servicing, and future space infrastructure. It also places water electrolysis within the broader vision of a circular, resource-efficient space economy.

This work contributes to the Ice2Thrust.Space ambition of advancing green propulsion technologies and strengthening Europe’s leadership in sustainable space mobility.

Authors:

• Sören Heizmann, Technical & Innovation Manager WEP Electrolyser (Researcher), Technical University of Munich.
• Prof. Chiara Manfletti, Principal Investigator Professor for Space Mobility and Propulsion (Supervisor), Technical University of Munich.

📄 Read the full paper here: Water Electrolysis: A vital enabling Technology for upcoming Space Missions https://zenodo.org/records/17826696