CHEOPSVHPBB

One of the key tasks of the @CNRS team within CHEOPS-VHP-BB project was understanding erosion of the dielectric channel walls, one of the main factors limiting the lifetime of conventional Hall effect thrusters. Learn more: cheops-vhp-bb.eu/2026/03/12/cnr…

📢 Exploring new manufacturing routes for space propulsion components. Within Horizon Europe’s CHEOPS-VHP-BB project, the Università di Pisa demonstrated FFF as a fast, cost-effective way to produce alumina parts for Hall thrusters. Learn more: cheops-vhp-bb.eu/2026/02/18/fro…

📢 Strengthening hollow cathode design for next-gen Hall thrusters. CHEOPS-VHP-BB delivered an upgraded hollow cathode model, building on #TANDEM heritage with greater propellant flexibility, lower mass, and improved robustness.📌 Learn more: cheops-vhp-bb.eu/2026/02/18/fro…

🎯 In Horizon Europe’s CHEOPS-VHP-BB, the Università di Pisa redesigned the TANDEM anode using LPBF (AISI 316L), integrating propellant distribution directly into the part to boost performance and reduce assembly complexity. Learn more: cheops-vhp-bb.eu/2026/02/18/fro…

Learn more: cheops-vhp-bb.eu/2026/02/18/fro…

Università di Pisa contributed to the Horizon Europe @cheopsvhpbb project through architecture studies and manufacturing-driven redesign, improving subsystem integration, reducing part count, and advancing high-power Hall thruster technologies toward qualification.

🎯 A 20 kW dual-channel Hall Thruster (UniPi & Aerospazio) was tested at LVTF-3 under CHEOPS-VHP-BB with Xe, Kr, and Ar (4.5–20 kW, 300–400 V), including thermal analysis. 📌 Full results: cheops-vhp-bb.eu/wp-content/upl…

💡 Development of a high-current cathode for the CHEOPS-VHP-BB VH-BB project. 🚀 Learn more about development of a high-current cathode: cheops-vhp-bb.eu/wp-content/upl…

The 20kW Hall thruster that was tested during the @cheopsvhpbb project and was equipped with a new high current cathode and ceramic, demonstrated excellent performance on Kr. Learn more about the tests: cheops-vhp-bb.eu/wp-content/upl…

🎯 Under the Horizon Europe @cheopsvhpbb project, @SAFRAN successfully tested its 20 kW PPS-20k Hall thruster for the first time since 2012, showing excellent performance with Kr and promising results with Ar. 🚀 Learn more: cheops-vhp-bb.eu/wp-content/upl…

🌟This holiday season, let’s appreciate the moments that matter most and look forward to 2025 with optimism and determination.

Propellant costs go beyond production—transporting into space is expensive. While xenon and krypton outperform cheaper options like argon, alternatives like CO2, water, and iodine are being explored, along with space-based refueling hubs. Learn more: bit.ly/48gUP6z

Choosing the right Hall thruster propellant means balancing storage, performance, and cost. Xenon offers high thrust for fast missions, while Isp is key for longer ones. Learn more in the full article! 🚀📌 bit.ly/3YhfHXQ

📢 Choosing space propellants depends on the propulsion method!🚀 For chemical propulsion, it’s all about thermal/chemical properties. For electric propulsion like Hall thrusters, factors like ionisation & mass-to-charge ratio make xenon a top pick.📌 bit.ly/3ZU9HWa

🌟We’ve just hit 1,000 followers on X for the Horizon Europe project @cheopsvhpbb! Huge thanks to everyone for your support! Keep following this exciting project and its groundbreaking results. cheops-vhp-bb.eu

Horizon Europe project @cheopsvhpbb, presented at the 38th IEPC in Toulouse. Our paper showcases advancements in Hall thrusters, laser-based mass flow meters, integration of additive manufacturing techniques for rapid prototyping and production. bit.ly/3Lpyd9g

We’re thrilled to share the latest results of the @cheopsvhpbb project on our website. Keep an eye out for continuous updates as the project develops. Visit us here: bit.ly/3Lpyd9g #CHEOPS #ProjectUpdate #ResearchInnovation

@Thales_Alenia_S unveiled the latest findings from our mission analysis, and the results are game-changing! 🚀Dive into the full article on our website for a deeper look into these groundbreaking advancements. 📌 bit.ly/45QMGoe

@cheopsvhpbb partner, @Thales_Alenia_S, has conducted a mission analysis! Electric propulsion can cut propellant mass by 3-4 times compared to chemical propulsion. It significantly reduces costs and extends trip durations. bit.ly/45QMGoe

The #EUSpaceConf was a success! 👏 👩‍🚀 🗣️ We had the pleasure to speak with Vanessa Vial, coordinator of @cheopsvhpbb project, managed by #HaDEA Discover more about this @HorizonEU project developing propulsion systems! 📽⤵️ #EUSpace #EUSpaceResearch