ECLIPSE Thruster: Endurance Test Results of a Reliable Propulsion System for Precise Satellites Maneuvers

Bernhard Seifert; Laura Bettiol; Martin Eizinger; Joachim Gerger; Dusan Cabelka; Florin Plesecu

ECLIPSE Thruster: Endurance Test Results of a Reliable Propulsion System for Precise Satellites Maneuvers

Bernhard Seifert
, Laura Bettiol
, Martin Eizinger
, Joachim Gerger
, Dusan Cabelka
, Florin Plesecu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

Abstract

The ECLIPSE thruster, developed by Forschungs- und Technologietransfer GmbH (FOTEC), is an advanced Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) system designed for precise satellite maneuvering in long-duration scientific, Earth observation, and deep-space missions. Building on the proven heritage of the IFM NANO Thruster, ECLIPSE introduces several enhancements, including an enlarged reservoir, a focusing electrode for improved beam alignment, and optimized thermal management to reduce power consumption. The system offers a nominal thrust range up to 500 μN with high specific impulse and exceptional operational control. This paper presents results from a 540-hour endurance test aimed at evaluating the thruster’s durability and performance stability in a vacuum environment. Initial findings demonstrate promising consistency and reliability, with anticipated design refinements guided by test data. The results will support the qualification of ECLIPSE as a reliable, modular propulsion subsystem for future space applications.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Proceedings of the 39th International Electric Propulsion Conference
Publication status	Published - Sept 2025
Event	39th International Electric Propulsion Conference: Electric Propulsion, a Gateway to the Cosmos - Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom Duration: 14 Sept 2025 → 19 Sept 2025 Conference number: 39th https://www.imperial.ac.uk/iepc2025/

Conference

Conference	39th International Electric Propulsion Conference
Abbreviated title	IEPC
Country/Territory	United Kingdom
City	London
Period	14/09/25 → 19/09/25
Internet address	https://www.imperial.ac.uk/iepc2025/

Cite this

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title = "ECLIPSE Thruster: Endurance Test Results of a Reliable Propulsion System for Precise Satellites Maneuvers",

abstract = "The ECLIPSE thruster, developed by Forschungs- und Technologietransfer GmbH (FOTEC), is an advanced Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) system designed for precise satellite maneuvering in long-duration scientific, Earth observation, and deep-space missions. Building on the proven heritage of the IFM NANO Thruster, ECLIPSE introduces several enhancements, including an enlarged reservoir, a focusing electrode for improved beam alignment, and optimized thermal management to reduce power consumption. The system offers a nominal thrust range up to 500 μN with high specific impulse and exceptional operational control. This paper presents results from a 540-hour endurance test aimed at evaluating the thruster{\textquoteright}s durability and performance stability in a vacuum environment. Initial findings demonstrate promising consistency and reliability, with anticipated design refinements guided by test data. The results will support the qualification of ECLIPSE as a reliable, modular propulsion subsystem for future space applications.",

author = "Bernhard Seifert and Laura Bettiol and Martin Eizinger and Joachim Gerger and Dusan Cabelka and Florin Plesecu",

year = "2025",

month = sep,

language = "English",

booktitle = "Proceedings of the 39th International Electric Propulsion Conference",

note = "39th International Electric Propulsion Conference : Electric Propulsion, a Gateway to the Cosmos, IEPC ; Conference date: 14-09-2025 Through 19-09-2025",

url = "https://www.imperial.ac.uk/iepc2025/",

}

TY - GEN

T1 - ECLIPSE Thruster: Endurance Test Results of a Reliable Propulsion System for Precise Satellites Maneuvers

AU - Seifert, Bernhard

AU - Bettiol, Laura

AU - Eizinger, Martin

AU - Gerger, Joachim

AU - Cabelka, Dusan

AU - Plesecu, Florin

N1 - Conference code: 39th

PY - 2025/9

Y1 - 2025/9

N2 - The ECLIPSE thruster, developed by Forschungs- und Technologietransfer GmbH (FOTEC), is an advanced Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) system designed for precise satellite maneuvering in long-duration scientific, Earth observation, and deep-space missions. Building on the proven heritage of the IFM NANO Thruster, ECLIPSE introduces several enhancements, including an enlarged reservoir, a focusing electrode for improved beam alignment, and optimized thermal management to reduce power consumption. The system offers a nominal thrust range up to 500 μN with high specific impulse and exceptional operational control. This paper presents results from a 540-hour endurance test aimed at evaluating the thruster’s durability and performance stability in a vacuum environment. Initial findings demonstrate promising consistency and reliability, with anticipated design refinements guided by test data. The results will support the qualification of ECLIPSE as a reliable, modular propulsion subsystem for future space applications.

AB - The ECLIPSE thruster, developed by Forschungs- und Technologietransfer GmbH (FOTEC), is an advanced Field Emission Electric Propulsion (FEEP) system designed for precise satellite maneuvering in long-duration scientific, Earth observation, and deep-space missions. Building on the proven heritage of the IFM NANO Thruster, ECLIPSE introduces several enhancements, including an enlarged reservoir, a focusing electrode for improved beam alignment, and optimized thermal management to reduce power consumption. The system offers a nominal thrust range up to 500 μN with high specific impulse and exceptional operational control. This paper presents results from a 540-hour endurance test aimed at evaluating the thruster’s durability and performance stability in a vacuum environment. Initial findings demonstrate promising consistency and reliability, with anticipated design refinements guided by test data. The results will support the qualification of ECLIPSE as a reliable, modular propulsion subsystem for future space applications.

M3 - Conference contribution

BT - Proceedings of the 39th International Electric Propulsion Conference

T2 - 39th International Electric Propulsion Conference

Y2 - 14 September 2025 through 19 September 2025

ER -

ECLIPSE Thruster: Endurance Test Results of a Reliable Propulsion System for Precise Satellites Maneuvers

Abstract

Conference

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