Cooperation with MarsSpace Ltd.: RIT-3.5 Propulsion System for NGGM

Ongoing projects

[2021-ongoing]

IQM provided technical consulting to MarsSpace Ltd. in the development of a propulsion system based on the RIT-3.5 ion engine for ESA’s Next Generation Gravity Mission (NGGM). Building on IQM’s expertise in radio-frequency gridded ion thrusters and variable-Isp ion optics, the collaboration focused on adapting the RIT-3.5 for the mission’s stringent drag-compensation and precision-thrust requirements. The work included system modelling, ion-optics optimisation, and experimental validation of low-thrust, high-stability operation within the expected orbit conditions. Through this cooperation, IQM supported the industrialisation and qualification of the RIT-3.5 engine, ensuring its compliance with ESA mission standards and advancing its readiness for future high-accuracy geodesy missions under the FutureEO programme.

Contract number: Cooperation agreement with MarsSpace Ltd. for ESA, Contract No. 4000134739/21/NL/IA.
Key publications:
  • Smirnova, M., Mingo, A., Schein, J., Smirnov, P., Bosch, E., & Massotti, L. (2019, September). Test campaign on the novel variable Isp radio frequency mini ion engine (IEPC-2019-A-574). In Proceedings of the 36th International Electric Propulsion Conference (IEPC 2019), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. LINK PDF
  • Guarducci, F., Marangone, M., Clark, A., Daykin-Iliopoulos, C., & Turner, A. (2025). Performance Characterisation of the RIT3.5 Radiofrequency Ion Thruster Coupled with the HC4 Hollow Cathode Neutraliser (IEPC-2025-649). Proceedings of the 38th International Electric Propulsion Conference, Oxford, United Kingdom. LINK PDF
  • Guarducci, F., Marangone, D., Clark, S., Lewis, R., Gabriel, S. B., Smirnova, M., & Mingo, A. (2022, June). Development and industrialization of the RIT 3.5 (IEPC-2022-272). In Proceedings of the 37th International Electric Propulsion Conference (IEPC 2022), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States. LINK PDF