Low power electric propulsion is an enabling technology for a many future missions, especially the ones involving mini- and micro- satellites. For such missions the adoption of an efficient propulsion system is crucial in order to save propellant and maximize the payload mass. From Earth Observation platforms to large constellations intended to provide worldwide internet coverage, the possibility of using an electric thruster as main propulsion system turns out to offer a terrific improvement in terms of propellant mass reduction. Missions that require a total AV larger than 100 m/s already experience remarkable benefits thanks to the high specific impulse of electric thrusters. More ambitious missions, can be accomplished only by means of EP, as it would be otherwise impossible to store the necessary propellant onboard. To respond to these market needs, SITAEL is developing devices based on different electric propulsion technologies (Hall effect, electrothermal or field emission) in order to cover a wide range of application in the most effective way. Hall Effect propulsion is the core product and two different thrusters are presently offered by SITAEL (HT100 and HT400), while a renewed effort is being put in the development of micro-electric thrusters that can be suitable for nanosatellites and electrothermal devices that can be used as auxiliary propulsion systems even on large space platforms.
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