Using water as fuel to travel through space—this is the challenge of WET – Water-based Electric Thrusters, a new research project under Horizon Europe coordinated by the University of Bologna. Researchers will explore the behavior of plasma generated from water to design a new type of electric thruster that can be used in space satellites.
Through this project, we aim to take a decisive step toward the standardization of sustainable propulsion technologies, capable of reducing the environmental impact of space missions and harnessing resources available in space, explains Fabrizio Ponti, professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Bologna (Forlì Campus), who coordinates the initiative. Thanks to water, an eco-friendly and versatile propellant, unprecedented possibilities for deep-space exploration could open up, with particular attention to economic and environmental sustainability.
Hosted at the Alma Propulsion Laboratory on the Forlì Campus of Alma Mater, the WET project seeks to utilize water as a propellant for space thrusters, transforming it into plasma and using the generated electrical energy to produce kinetic thrust. A consortium of nine universities and research institutes from Europe, Africa, and Oceania will contribute to this effort, bringing advanced knowledge in engineering, plasma physics, and innovative technological systems.
The research group will study the fundamental processes governing the formation and behavior of plasma generated from water to design an electric thruster capable of powering spacecraft.
The laboratories will be upgraded to enable experimental validation of the new technologies, and tools for measuring and characterizing water-based plasma will also be tested, ensuring precise and repeatable results.
All of this is aimed at bringing to life a new model of space thruster, designed to operate within a power range of 500 to 1000 watts, making it particularly suitable for small satellites (SmallSats) and with potential applications in deep space.
The WET project is not just about developing an innovative technology but also about creating a new vision for the future of space exploration, adds Professor Ponti. Thanks to collaboration between world-class institutions, we can imagine a future where access to space becomes increasingly sustainable and democratic, opening new opportunities for research and industry.
The standardization of water-based propulsion is, in fact, a key breakthrough in making space technologies more accessible and sustainable, also paving the way for other potential applications. Additionally, this initiative will provide professional growth opportunities for young researchers worldwide, with a particular focus on gender diversity and social inclusion.
The WET – Water-based Electric Thrusters project is funded under the Horizon Europe MSCA Staff Exchange program. Alongside the coordinating University of Bologna, the participating institutions include: International University of Rabat (Morocco), University of Padua (Italy), National Research Council (CNR, Italy), National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS, France), University of Stuttgart (Germany), University of Auckland (New Zealand), Australian National University (Australia), and Chouaib Doukkali University (Morocco).
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