Plasma propulsion is a form of space propulsion that uses plasma, a high-energy gas composed of positive ions and free electrons, to provide thrust. It works by heating a propellant such as xenon gas until it becomes a plasma, then using electric and magnetic fields to accelerate the plasma out of a nozzle and generate thrust. This technology has been used in space exploration missions to provide additional maneuverability during flight and allow for higher speeds than chemical propulsion methods.

Phase four is developing a new paradigm of in-space propulsion for the rapidly expanding space economy. Phase four’s maxwell RF thruster does not implement cathodes anywhere in the system. This eliminates the choke point slowing down manufacturing of traditional plasma propulsion systems .

The specific missions of IPFN-LA can be summarized as follows:

To supply technical support to the Portuguese participation in the European Fusion Programme and to the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA).

To perform the work programme of the Contract of Association between IST and the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM).

To collaborate with the European Space Agency (ESA) in the laser and plasma propulsion and in the study of the space plasmas.

To assure the Portuguese participation in the European projects on new plasma accelerators.

To develop the national technology in the scope of the ultra-short ultra-intense lasers for multi-disciplinary applications.

To assure the Portuguese participation in the European projects and to develop national competence in the scope of plasma discharges and gaseous electronics technologies.

To carry out research projects, service rendering, formation actions and scientific divulgation in its thematic areas.

To collaborate in the graduate and post-graduate teaching in Physics and Plasma Engineering, Intense Lasers and Controlled Nuclear Fusion.

Safran Aircraft Engines draws on an unrivaled legacy reaching back over 110 years to designdevelopproduce and marketengines for civil and military aircraftas well as for satellites. Military engines Safran aircraft engines designsdevelopsproduces and supports engines that perfectly meet the requirements of our military customers .

Orbion has over forty full-time engineers on staffincluding seven who hold PhD degrees focused on electric space propulsion. Our core team of rocket scientists has more than 200 years of directly relevant experience with hall-effect thruster (HET) technology and spacecraft electronic systems. Our team members have developed products working every day in low earth orbitgeosynchronous earth orbitdeep spaceand even asteroids and comets .

ALIENA's suite of robust propulsion systems facilitates low cost access to any orbits of interest. Our products meet the most stringent and demanding conditions of our customers. We see our products as technological enablers that will equip us towards capturing a new market as satellite-acquired data service providers from very low Earth orbits .

Neumann thruster is a lightweight solar-electric ion thruster. Uses patented centre-triggered pulsed cathodic arc thruster (CT-PCAT) technology to convert a solid conductive fuel rod into plasma and produce thrust. Can generate high specific impulse levels and provide exceptional v .

The Cameron Group, Inc. is a professional services organization of subject matter experts in nuclear and space systems. Vision envisions a world-wide future of sustainable, environmentally sensitive systems working together in high performance organizations. Mission we are dedicated to applying our insight, experience, expertise and analytic capabilities to selected clients and projects to help them facilitate the transformation and improvement of the world’s condition .

Rocket company t4i develops innovative engines to serve small satellite platforms. New headquarters are in monselice (PD), italy. Internal area is being equipped with a laboratory dedicated for electric and cold gas propulsion systems manufacturing and a clean room for their assembly. External area is dedicated for the fire tests that is being performed in the external area .

FuG Elektronik GmbH was founded in 1978 by Erich Fritz and Gerhard Giebichenstein. The company specializes in the development and manufacture of customer-specific solutions. In 2019, the area at the Schechen site will increase by another 10,000 square meters. the number of employees will increase to 130 .

ThrustMe is a startup spinning of from the Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas at the Ecole Polytechnique and the CNRS, founded by Ane Aanesland and Dmytro Rafalskyi. ThrustMe develops, produces and commercializes the next generation space propulsion systems based on our patented technology.

Plasma Propulsion

What is Plasma Propulsion?

Similar technologies

Phase Four

IPFN - Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear

Safran Aircraft Engines Poland

Orbion Space Technology

Aliena

Neumann Space

The Cameron Group

T4i Technology for Propulsion and Innovation srl

FuG Elektronik GmbH

ThrustMe