ELECTRIC PROPULSION
BEST PROPULSION FOR YOUR SPACECRAFT
SITAEL developed a proprietary Electric Propulsion Systems based on innovative technologies. Electric Propulsion Products ranges from Low to High Power Hall Effect Thrusters, including the power supply and the propellant management. SITAEL is today one of the few companies worldwide with development and qualification capabilities of complete Electric Propulsion systems and related diagnostics.
Hall Effect Thrusters
Hall Effect Thrusters (HET) are the technology of choice for large GEO telecoms and other medium/high ΔV missions, quickly gaining acceptance for LEO applications as well. Thanks to their high specific impulse and proven reliability, HETs are also employed for space exploration (ESA SMART-1). These thrusters can work with satisfactory efficiencies over a power range from around 100 W up to tens of kW.
Magneto Plasma Dynamics
With over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing and testing of MPD thrusters, SITAEL is able to provide a variety of high power solutions, ranging from a few hundreds of kW to the multi MW level, for future exploration programmes.
Cathodes
SITAEL is currently engaged in the in-house design and development of reliable and flexible cathodes to serve as plasma sources for different electric propulsion systems.
Power Unit for Electric Propulsion
Within the past 20 years SITAEL made several developments in the field of Electric Propulsion avionics, with a focus on High Voltage Power Supplies (HVPS) and Power and Processing Units (PPU) for Low and High Power Hall Effect Thrusters (HET). Today’s main products are a 300W PPU and a 5kW PPU, both successfully coupled with SITAEL Thrusters (HT 100 / HT 400 and HT 5k, respectively).
Tools and Services for Electric Propulsion
Sitael is equipped with 15 vacuum, thermal vacuum and ultra-high vacuum chambers of different sizes and capabilities, ranging from 20 cm up to 6 m in internal diameter. Vacuum chambers are currently used for a variety of testing and R&D activities for internal projects and for external customers.
