Technologies & Expertise
RF Gridded Ion Thrusters (RITs)
IQM’s core expertise lies in RF inductively coupled gridded ion thrusters, which provide high efficiency and precise thrust control for satellites and deep-space missions. Highlights include:
- Highly efficient, precise propulsion for satellites and deep-space missions.
- Development of the RIT-3.5 – a baseline technology for NGGM and Henon missions.
- RIT's modification with four-grid optics enabling independent control of Isp and thrust (VISP project).
- Development of the Impulse Transfer Thruster for the Ion Beam Shephard concept for Active Debris Removal and Planetary defence.
- Double-sided version of Impulse Transfer Thruster, combining it with Impulse Compensation Capability.
- Long-lifetime, high-stability operation validated in lab and mission-relevant conditions.
- Accelerated lifetime tests and fundamental process investigations.
Air-Breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP / RAM-EP)
Our team pioneered the first European ABEP experiments with RIT-10 in 2010, testing ion thruster operation in simulated atmospheric compositions for VLEO missions. Key capabilities:
- Operation with nitrogen–oxygen mixtures for VLEO and with CO₂-dominated mixtures for the Martian atmosphere.
- Advanced cathode and material solutions for high-reactive environments.
- Ongoing research to optimise ionisation efficiency, performance, and durability for next-generation low-orbit applications.
- Production of particle flow generators resembling closely the composition and energy (absolute, not average) of LEO.
Cathode-less Plasma Sources
IQM develops compact, reliable, and versatile plasma sources for both space and industrial applications. These sources allow:
- Stable plasma generation without traditional cathodes.
- Reduced maintenance and extended operational lifetime.
- Simple propulsion subsystem
- Flexibility for integration into experimental and operational propulsion systems.
- Ability to work with a wide range of propellants, including chemically reactive ones
Material Processing Applications
Leveraging our space-qualified ion source expertise, IQM adapts RF plasma and ion beams for terrestrial industrial use:
- Sputtering and surface coating.
- Material modification and treatment.
- Turnkey ion-beam systems with integrated control and monitoring.
Additional Capabilities
Beyond its mainline RIT and ABEP expertise, IQM has accumulated experience across multiple electric propulsion technologies, enabling multi-disciplinary R&D. While our primary focus is on RITs and ABEP systems, IQM’s team also has experience with other electric propulsion and plasma technologies, including:
Hall effect thrusters (HETs)
High-efficiency electrostatic propulsion optimized for satellite station-keeping and precision orbit raising maneuvers.
Arcjets and resistojets
Reliable electrothermal systems providing high-thrust-to-power ratios for critical orbital stabilization and orbital transfer.
Pulsed plasma thrusters (PPTs)
Simple, robust electromagnetic solutions for micro-satellite attitude control and fine-displacement orbital pointing.
Helicon plasma sources
Advanced high-density pulse plasma generators enabling the next generation of power-efficient electrodeless thrusters.
DC Ion thrusters
Proven electrostatic thrusters offering unmatched mission reliability for long-term deep-space exploration and scientific probes.
Inductively and capacitively coupled plasma thrusters
Versatile RF-driven sources characterized by operational flexibility and broad compatibility with traditional and alternative propellants.
These capabilities enable IQM to support custom R&D projects, exploratory studies, and technology transfer initiatives that extend beyond our core systems.