CIRA's Space Qualification Laboratory, in full compliance with CIRA emergency health procedures dictated by the COVID19, has just successfully accomplished a test campaign on the low power Hall Effect Thruster HT100 EM developed by SITAEL S.p.A. in the frame of MEPS programme.

MEPS (Micro-Satellite Electric Propulsion System) is a programme jointly  supported  by  the European  Space  Agency  (ESA)  and the  Israeli  Space Agency  (ISA) and aimed  at the  qualification of a  propulsion  system  based on a  low-power, low-cost Hall Effect Thruster (nominal power level 200W). The system consists of a  dual  thruster/cathode  subsystem,  a power processing unit, propellant  management assembly,  feeding lines and  a suitable Xe  tank  and is conceived  as  a  'plug  and  play' system that can be easily installed on several small space platforms.

HT100 is intended to provide a prompt,  effective response to  the market needs, where  small platforms can highly benefit from a  low-cost, low-mass propulsion system. An effective solution  for drag compensation, orbit maintenance, end-of-life deorbiting of LEO satellites, MEPS is going to pave the way to a new class of affordable and flexible small space missions..

The tests performed at CIRA led to the qualification of the thruster HT100 QM at the operational vibration loads and at the mechanic shock that will affect the thruster during the launch, release before the operational phase in orbit.

About SITAEL

SITAEL is the largest privately-owned Space Company in Italy leading the Small Satellites sector. With over 380 employees and state-of-the-art facilities, SITAEL covers all the processes needed for the Design, Development and Production of Small Satellites, Advanced Propulsion Systems, Instruments and Avionics. Preferred partner for many stakeholders in several space missions, SITAEL joins its flexibility and deep knowledge of design with a continuous look to innovation, ensuring the highest quality attention to each project while optimizing costs and development times. SITAEL belongs to Angel Group, an Italian holding world leader in Railways, Aerospace and Aeronautics, Cyber Security, IoT and Artificial Intelligence markets.

www.sitael.com