Chemical-µPropulsion for an Efficient and Accurate Control of Satellites for Space Exploration
Project Reference: 282948
Activity Code: SPA.2011.2.1-02
Coordinator:German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Abstract:
PRECISE focuses on the research and development of a MEMS-based monopropellant micro Chemical Propulsion System (µCPS) for highly accurate attitude control of satellites. The availability of µCPS forms the basis for defining new mission concepts such as formation flying and advanced robotic missions. These novel concepts require µCPS for highly precise attitude and orbit control manoeuvres.
µCPS has been identified by ESA to fill the gap between state-of-the-art electrical and chemical propulsion due to its compactness, low power requirements and low system weight. PRECISE combines European capabilities and know-how from universities, research organisations, experienced European companies and a Russian company for the research and development of a µCPS for the future market demands. PRECISE provides a stepping stone along the ESA-µCPS roadmap.
Basic research will be conducted aiming at improving crucial MEMS technologies required for µCPS. Research and development will also focus on the efficiency and the reliability of critical system components up to TRL5. In addition, system analysis tools will be enhanced to complement the development steps of the propulsion system. The µCPS will be tested in a simulated space vacuum environment. Application-oriented aspects will be addressed by two end-users in the consortium who are planning an exemplary formation flying mission for which the µCPS is crucial.
The Work Programme topic SPA.2011.2.1-02 Research and development for space exploration is directly addressed by PRECISE. High precision attitude control and micro-propulsion systems are specifically listed as key elements.
Project Details:
Start Date: 2012-02-01
End Date: 2014-01-31
EU Contribution: 1 829 367 Euro
Total Costs: 2 830 429 Euro
Programme Acronym: FP7-Space
Subprogramme Area: SPA.2011.2.1-02 Research and development for space exploration
Contract type: Small or medium-scale focused research project
Administrative Contact Person: Markus GAUER (Mr)
Project Website:www.mcps-precise.com
CORDIS-Link
Partners:
- NANOSPACE AB – Sweden
- CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE – France
- UNIVERSITEIT TWENTE – Netherlands
- MILITARY AND INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION SCIENTIFIC PRODUCTION ASSOCIATION OF MACHINE BUILDING OAO – Russian Federation
- UNIVERSITY OF SURREY – United Kingdom
- ASTRIUM GMBH – Germany