M-ARGO – Miniaturised Asteroid Remote Geophysical Observer

Within the ESA M-ARGO project, the TransMIT IQM team participated in intensive co-engineering and testing activities aimed at adapting the µRIT3.5 Radio-Frequency Ion Thruster as the core electric propulsion system for the M-ARGO 12-U deep-space CubeSat. The work addressed the demanding constraints of a compact 12U platform (approximately 22 × 22 × 34 cm) while meeting extreme requirements for thrust, specific impulse, mass, and power. As part of the propulsion development, IQM carried out extensive performance characterisation of the µRIT3.5 using krypton (Kr) and xenon (Xe) propellants, providing detailed data on thrust, efficiency, and beam properties under deep-space operating conditions. This testing verified the thruster’s stable operation and scalability for small-satellite propulsion, strengthening its role as a flight-ready subsystem for future CubeSat missions. The project ultimately produced a compact, high-efficiency hybrid propulsion solution that combines electric and cold-gas systems, enabling independent cruise and asteroid rendezvous capability. Achieving the required thrust range (~0.8–2.2 mN) at 90–120 W and 1 AU with a specific impulse of 3000–4000 s demonstrated the feasibility of deep-space CubeSat missions with radio-frequency ion propulsion. The M-ARGO mission established a technological foundation for upcoming ESA planetary defence and asteroid exploration programs, including HENON and SATIS, confirming its role as a key pathfinder for next-generation miniaturised electric propulsion in Europe.

• Walker, R., Koschny, D., Bramanti, C., Carnelli, I., & ESA CDF Study Team. (2017). Miniaturised Asteroid Remote Geophysical Observer (M-ARGO): A stand-alone deep space CubeSat system for low-cost science and exploration missions. Proceedings of the iCubeSat Workshop 2017. Retrieved from https://icubesat.org/papers/2017-2/2017-a-3-1-miniaturised-asteroid-remote-geophysical-observer-m-argo-a-stand-alone-deep-space-cubesat-system-for-low-cost-science-and-exploration-missions/
• European Space Agency. (2019, May 23). M-ARGO nanosatellite Press Release. Retrieved from https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2019/05/M-Argo_nanosatellite
• European Space Agency. (2021, February 23). M-ARGO: ESA’s asteroid-targeting CubeSat Video. Retrieved from https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2021/02/M-Argo_ESA_s_asteroid-targeting_CubeSat
• Persson, F., Smirnova, M., Mingo, A., & Mache, E. (2022, May 9–13). Hybrid propulsion system for deep space CubeSat mission (SP2022_279). Paper presented at Space Propulsion 2022, Estoril, Portugal. PDF
• Guarducci, F., Marangone, D., Clark, S., Lewis, R., Gabriel, S. B., Smirnova, M., & Mingo, A. (2022, June 19–23). Development and industrialization of the RIT 3.5 (IEPC-2022-272). Paper presented at the 37th International Electric Propulsion Conference, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. LINK PDF

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