SUPREME

High-power electric propulsion technology is needed to enable the sustainable realisation of emerging market applications such as On-Orbit Servicing, in-space cloud computing, debris removal and cis-lunar infrastructure. However, relevant technologies, in terms of cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and performance, are not yet available. The commercialisation of new markets requires more scalable and flexible propulsion solutions. Applied-Field Magnetoplasmadynamic (AF-MPD) thrusters are a robust, efficient, and scalable Electric Propulsion technology, especially suited for high-power operations thanks to their high thrust levels and power densities. These benefits have motivated their widespread research since the 1960s. The main development limitations have been the thruster lifetime and flight readiness imposed by the use of conventional copper magnets for generating the applied field. These problems can be overcome with the use of High-Temperature Superconductors (HTS), which can provide the required magnetic field for AF-MPD operation in a compact and lightweight system. Under the leadership of NSS, a start-up commercialising HTS applications in space, SUPREME aims at increasing the flight proficiency of AFMPD by demonstrating the integration of HTS coils and all necessary supporting subsystems in a relevant environment, and the corresponding increase in thruster performance and lifetime. SUPREME also aims to validate the commercialisation potential of the technology by generating a well-defined business model for achieving sustainable revenues and upscaling of production. The consortium is completed by 2 RIs, an innovative SME, and an OEM. On the academic side, both USTUTT and UT are institutes working at the forefront of disruptive R&D in the key areas of EP, space cryogenics, and HTS systems. PEAK represent a key part of the supply chain for propellant tanks, and Airbus’ will contribute as both a supplier and potential first adopter of the technology.