The iFACT-MP project, which stands for iodine Fed Advanced Cusp field Thruster for Mid-Power, commenced in January 2024. This 24-month initiative, funded by HADEA, aims to strengthen Europe’s leading role in iodine electric propulsion (EP). Its main goal is to develop a thruster subsystem that utilizes iodine fuel within the 3-5 kW power range, while also addressing all essential components necessary for the successful implementation of an iodine EP subsystem.
The iFACT-MP team successfully conducted the initial six-month progress meeting (PDR) held online on June 18th, 2024. As the project reaches its ninth month, preparations are underway for the Interim Review and the Critical Design Review (CDR), scheduled to take place both in person at Airbus Toulouse and virtually on October 1st, 2024. A visit to the Fluidics Lab of AIRBUS DS SAS is planned for the subsequent day.
Meanwhile, the activities related to dissemination and communication (D&C) have progressed with the distribution of both printed and digital versions of the iFACT-MP leaflet and poster. Moreover, Gerrit Kottke, our project’s coordinator, attended the 38th IEPC held in Toulouse, France, from June 23 to June 28, 2024. Prior to this, Max Vaupel, our Technical Leader from Airbus FDH, participated in the 9th Edition of the 3AF International Conference on Space Propulsion in Glasgow, Scotland, which took place from May 20 to May 23, 2024.
The D&C team has also created and presented an engaging video content that gives an introduction into the project’s objectives and expected impact. This video is available on the iFACT-MP YouTube channel. A new series titled “Ask the Researchers” is currently under development, with a presentation by our project coordinator, Gerrit Kottke. He outlines their role within the project and provides insights into how iFACT-MP project aims to reshape the future on Electronic Propulsion solutions, as well as its contributions to the European civil society. This video will be released in the near future and upcoming videos featuring iFACT-MP researchers will be released subsequently.
For more information and regular updates regarding the iFACT-MP project, we invite you to visit the project’s official website and social media page in LinkedIn.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or HaDEA. Neither the European Union nor HaDEA can be held responsible for them.