ICE2THRUST: An End-to-End Demonstration of the In-Situ Resource Utilization of Water for In-Space Propulsion

Water Electrolysis Propulsion is experiencing growing interest in the scientific and industrial space propulsion community. However, it’s full potential is revealed when combined with the technology of water extraction from other celestial bodies like the Moon or Near-Earth Asteroids (NEOs), as such an approach could lead to the first economically viable use of in-space resources. TUM is therefore aiming to conduct the first end-to-end demonstration of the in-situ resource utilization of water for in-space propulsion under representative conditions. The advantages of such a technology chain are described as well as the current state of the art. The foreseen challenges are discussed and TUMs foreseen approach on their solutions is presented.     «

Water Electrolysis Propulsion is experiencing growing interest in the scientific and industrial space propulsion community. However, it’s full potential is revealed when combined with the technology of water extraction from other celestial bodies like the Moon or Near-Earth Asteroids (NEOs), as such an approach could lead to the first economically viable use of in-space resources. TUM is therefore aiming to conduct the first end-to-end demonstration of the in-situ resource utilization of water f...     »