Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems IKTSElectric space propulsion systems
Fraunhofer IKTS develops key technologies for electrical and chemical propulsion systems in space travel. They are used for attitude control and orbit transfer as well as for de-orbiting satellites at the end of their service life in order to avoid space debris. The focus is on ceramic materials for electric space propulsion systems (e.g. ion or Hall drives), ignition systems for micro-launchers and reactive engine components.
Electric propulsion systems are essential for long-term missions, satellite maneuvers and interplanetary space travel. Electride materials are used here as cathodes in electron-emitting assemblies. Fraunhofer IKTS is developing electride materials – such as the oxide ceramic material C12A7 (12CaO·7Al2O3) – which enable application-relevant electron emission even at temperatures well below 1000°C. Electron emission rates of 2.37 eV and a Richardson constant of over 8 Acm-2 K-2 were measured on sintered hollow cathodes made of pure C12A7.
The electride C12A7 can be used, for example, in the form of a coating for electrodynamic and propellant-free drives (deorbit kit), which enable the controlled removal of disused satellites from orbit. In addition, C12A7 can be used as a hollow cathode for novel, more effective satellite ion propulsion systems based on iodine instead of xenon. C12A7 promises improved stability against the iodine ions and should therefore ensure a long service life.
