Joint project
iFACT - Iodine-fed advanced cusp field thruster
Funder: European Union
Period: 2020-2021
URI: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/870336
Abstract:
Iodine-fed thrusters for satellite propulsion
Amidst a dynamic satellite market environment, the iodine fed advanced cusp field thruster (iFACT) aims to disrupt the status quo in electric propulsion technology. The advanced cusp field thruster (ACFT) was developed by Airbus in 2017. Its features present a significant potential for simplicity, efficiency and low costing in electric propulsion subsystems. The thruster is easy to ignite and optimised to run on iodine, having demonstrated excellent performance results. The prospect for iodine as a novel propellant and for the ACFT as a principal thruster to replace incumbent technology will be further explored, among other focus areas, as part of the EU-funded iFACT project.
Iodine-fed thrusters for satellite propulsion
Amidst a dynamic satellite market environment, the iodine fed advanced cusp field thruster (iFACT) aims to disrupt the status quo in electric propulsion technology. The advanced cusp field thruster (ACFT) was developed by Airbus in 2017. Its features present a significant potential for simplicity, efficiency and low costing in electric propulsion subsystems. The thruster is easy to ignite and optimised to run on iodine, having demonstrated excellent performance results. The prospect for iodine as a novel propellant and for the ACFT as a principal thruster to replace incumbent technology will be further explored, among other focus areas, as part of the EU-funded iFACT project.
Coordinating organisation / Consortium Leader
- Airbus Defence and Space
Cooperation partners with funding
2 of 2
- University of Southampton
