Electric Propulsion: A Key Technology for Space Missions in the New Millennium

G. Saccoccia, J. Gonzalez del Amo & D. Estublier

Electric propulsion is currently considered a key technology for the new generations of commercial and scientific satellites. Initiatives in this field all over the world are aimed at the development and space validation of new electric-propulsion systems and the rapid implementation of this technology on new spacecraft. In Europe too, space agencies and industry are setting up collaborations to accelerate and optimise the procurement of electric propulsion. The goal of this effort is to maintain the competitiveness of European industry in the space field, by ensuring the availability of qualified and reliable electric-propulsion systems, and to make new and challenging scientific missions possible. ESA is strongly involved and committed in this technology area, both as an initiator of electric-propulsion system developments and a user of this technology for its new missions.