European electric propulsion activities and programmes

Abstract Electric propulsion in Europe is currently considered a key technology for the new generations of Telecommunication and Scientific satellites. Several initiatives in this field aim to the development and space validation of new electric propulsion systems and to a fast implementation this technology on new spacecraft. European industry and Space Agencies in Europe are setting up collaborations to make more effective and fast the procurement of electric propulsion. The goal of these initiatives is to maintain the competitiveness of the European Industry in the space field, through the availability of qualified and reliable electric propulsion systems. This paper presents an overview of the current European development in this field and the main programmes under preparation, which involve the use of electric propulsion systems.