Skip to content

Electric propulsion systems

GOOD COMMUNICATION REQUIRES PRECISE POSITIONING. THE MAIN RESEARCH FIELDS OF THE SERANIS PROJECT DEAL WITH THE COMMUNICATION AND TRANSMISSION OF DATA. REGARDLESS OF THE TECHNOLOGY USED, THE SATELLITES NEED TO BE ACCURATELY POSITIONED TO ENSURE FAST AND EFFICIENT COMMUNICATION.

For such purposes, electric propulsion systems have proven effective thanks to the precise adjustment options of the generated forces and due to their high efficiency. The advantage of electric spacecraft propulsion systems in comparison to other types of drive systems is their high specific impulse, which requires minimal amounts of propellant. This makes these systems, in particular with regard to attractive for long-term missions. This gives reason to explore solutions for existing problems such as grid erosion in ion thrusters or the scalability of Hall-effect thrusters but also to develop new drive concepts.

Electric propulsion systems

CORE OBJECTIVES AND UNIQUE FEATURE

At the Institute for Plasma Technology and Mathematics at the Universität der Bundeswehr, two drive concepts – C-Star and HERVAT – have been designed for positioning satellites and tested under laboratory conditions. The first concept is based on a capacitively-coupled radio frequency discharge, where the charged particles of a quasi-neutral plasma are accelerated by means of magnetic fields. As a result, a C-Star drive does not require any additional components that would prevent build-up of static charge on the satellite (referred to as neutralizers). The concept is scalable and has a long life due to the absence of a cathode. In addition, a C-Star drive can work with different types of fuel, which is not only more environmentally friendly but also makes it possible to reduce running costs. The second concept (HERVAT) is a vacuum discharge system that is most notably characterized by its simple structure and, like the C-Star, does not require a neutralizer. Originally developed for microsatellites (Cube Sat), this system has been tested under laboratory conditions to carry out more than 10 million position-correcting pulses with one tiny unit.

The SeRANIS project provides a basis for exploring the concepts developed under laboratory conditions under real field conditions. In the process, both drive systems are adapted to the size of the satellite and the onboard conditions and undergo a series of qualification tests in order to obtain flight certification.

WHAT DO WE AIM TO ACHIEVE?

Essentially, the purpose of the SeRANIS project is to put into practice the knowledge acquired through scientific research about the physics of electric drives. The expert knowledge acquired from the project – particularly concerning the constructive implementation and flight certification of electric spacecraft drive systems – is thus an important factor for the development of future drive concepts.

In addition, the project provides a basis for students and young researchers to gain significant experience for their ensuing military, university or industrial careers.

PARTICIPATING INSTITUTES AND CONTACT

Institute for Plasma Technology and Mathematics

BLOG/NEWS

The new era of Space Commercialization – Satellites in the geopolitical Chess Game

Read the free publication by SeRANIS project head Prof. Dr. Andreas Knopp and Prof. Dr. Rafaela Kraus.

NPS & SeRANIS – First steps towards Shared Use of the MC3 network

As a Recurring Visiting Professor, Andreas Knopp once again attended the Space Systems Academic Group of the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in California.

CDR Review confirms: “SeRANIS shows a promising path to establishing a Space Innovation Hub in Germany”

During this event, the team was able to demonstrate their innovative and sustainable design to a high-caliber panel of experts from the Bundeswehr and space research.

The future of connectivity: B5G/6G demonstrator from SeRANIS at the WSA

SeRANIS PhD students present a B5G/6G demonstrator that heralds the future of wireless communication.

Starlink for the Bundeswehr: A good idea? The system was put through its paces at FZ Space

The use of Starlink in the Bundeswehr has been considered and discussed for some time.

Israeli Consul General visits UniBw M

Israeli Consul General Carmela Shamir visited the Universität der Bundeswehr München.

High-ranking visitor at FZ SPACE of UniBw M – Commander of the Bundeswehr Space Command gets information about the SeRANIS mission

Major General Michael Traut visits the SPACE research center to learn more about the SeRANIS mission.