📋 Tender Overview
Solar For Ice To Thrust
The S4I2T Project Seeks To Develop A Cost-Effective And Environmentally Friendly Solar Electric Water Propulsion System. It Aims To Use Water As A Propellant To Enable Autonomous Spacecraft Docking And Propellant Refilling, Promoting Economic And Environmental Sustainability And Facilitating In-Orbit Servicing, Robotics, And In-Space Manufacturing. Furthermore, The Project Explores In-Space Water Extraction And Utilization From Celestial Bodies, Contributing To A Self-Sustaining Circular Space Economy Based On Solar Energy Harvesting.
The Three Technological Elements At The Project~S Core Are:
1. Solar-Electric Water Electrolysis Propulsion: Water Is Used As A Propellant And Decomposed Into Gaseous Oxygen And Hydrogen, Outperforming Traditional Chemical Propulsion Systems. Water~S Non-Toxicity, Versatility, And Availability Make It A Cost-Effective Choice. It Also Utilizes Solar Energy For Propulsion.
2. Autonomous Proximity/Docking Operations And Propellant Refilling: Water Simplifies In-Orbit Refueling, Reducing Launch Mass And Extending Satellite Lifetimes. This Supports In-Orbit Servicing And Assembly, Enhancing The Impact Of Solar Energy Harvesting.
3. In-Space Water Extraction And Utilization: Water Extraction From Celestial Bodies Combined With The Other Technologies Creates A Self-Sustainable Space Mobility Infrastructure, Offering Long-Term, Earth-Independent Operation.
The Project Aims To Achieve Several Breakthroughs In Developing A Novel Solar-Powered Propulsion System, Addressing Technological Challenges And Bottlenecks. It Includes The Development And Lab Demonstration Of Innovative Components For A Solar Electric Water Electrolysis Propulsion System, Autonomous Proximity/Docking Algorithms, And End-To-End In-Space Resource Utilization (Isru) Validation.
Ultimately, The S4I2T Project Strives To Position Europe As A Leader In Solar-Energy-Powered Space Mobility, Fostering A Sustainable And Self-Sustaining Space Economy.
Funded Under
The European Innovation Council (Eic)
Total Cost
€ 3 999 590,00
Eu Contribution
€ 3 999 590,00
Coordinated By
Technische Universitaet Muenchen
Germany
Start Date
1 September 2024
End Date
31 August 2027
Objective
The S4I2T project seeks to develop a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solar electric water propulsion system. It aims to use water as a propellant to enable autonomous spacecraft docking and propellant refilling, promoting economic and environmental sustainability and facilitating in-orbit servicing, robotics, and in-space manufacturing. Furthermore, the project explores in-space water extraction and utilization from celestial bodies, contributing to a self-sustaining circular space economy based on solar energy harvesting.
The three technological elements at the project's core are:
1. Solar-Electric Water Electrolysis Propulsion: Water is used as a propellant and decomposed into gaseous oxygen and hydrogen, outperforming traditional
