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Propulsion
 
Medium terms needs for propulsion are focused on propulsive descent downwards and ascent from the surface of the Moon, Mars or other planets. Chemical propulsion needs are quite well understood for orbiters but are definitely new in Europe for abovementioned mission phases planned for Mars Sample Return and long-term missions. Furthermore, a sustainable effort on electric propulsion may make space travels much more cost-efficient and thus has to be undertaken.
 
Click on an activity below to read a summary of the purpose and scope of this activity. Where possible, the final summary report of any completed activities can be obtained here.  
 
ExoMars Specific
 
 
Mars Sample Return Specific

• Assessment of chemical propulsion systems for interplanetary missions
 
 
Generic Exploration Technologies

• Assessment of electric propulsion systems for exploration missions: comparison between solar electric and nuclear electric propulsion systems
 
 
Last update: 15 September 2005

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