Major Milestone for Ice2Thrust: New Vacuum Chamber Installed at TUM

On the picture from left to right: Bas Timmerman (Hositrad Vacuum technology), Leonor Jesus (TUM), Sascha Dengler (TUM) and Sören Heizmann (TUM)

Ice2Thrust.Space has reached an important milestone in its technology development journey. After months of planning, coordination, and preparation, the team at the Technical University of Munich has successfully received and installed a new high-performance vacuum chamber. This new infrastructure enables testing of the Ice2Thrust Water Electrolysis Propulsion (WEP) system under representative space-like conditions — a critical step toward validating performance, efficiency, and operational reliability.

Operating propulsion systems under vacuum is essential to accurately simulate the environment of space. With this capability now in place, the team can begin the next phase of experimental campaigns to further mature the technology and close the gap toward real-world deployment. The installation of the chamber represents the tangible outcome of extensive engineering preparation and long-term coordination efforts. It provides the foundation for integrated system testing and future performance demonstrations.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Hositrad Vacuum Technology and D&M Vacuumsystemen BV for their professionalism, technical expertise, and collaboration in delivering a vacuum chamber that meets the demanding requirements of advanced propulsion research. A special thank you also goes to all team members involved in the design, logistics, installation, and commissioning process. Achievements like this are the result of strong partnerships and dedicated teamwork.