Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Training 2026

30 Jun 2026, 09:00 → 2 Jul 2026, 18:00 UTC

ESA HQ Daumesnil

Where :  ESA HQ Daumesnil, 52 rue Jacques Hillairet, 75012 Paris

When : from Tuesday 30th of June to Thursday 2nd of July 2026 

The students will be trained by trainers from ARTENUM and ONERA.

Registration are now open (please use the link below).

Information on the training fee will be applied (details to be distributed at pre-registration). 

Understanding and controlling spacecraft–plasma interactions is a key challenge for modern space missions. From surface charging and electrostatic discharges to electric propulsion effects and contamination, these phenomena directly impact spacecraft performance, reliability, and lifetime.
SPIS is a reference simulation tool dedicated to the modelling of spacecraft–plasma interactions. It enables the numerical prediction of spacecraft surface potentials resulting from the interaction between complex spacecraft geometries and their surrounding plasma environment. SPIS takes into account spacecraft geometry, materials, and electrical wiring, as well as environmental effects such as ambient plasma, radiation, dust, and artificial plasma sources including thrusters and cathodes.
SPIS is built around a numerical core, coupled with a graphical user interface that allows users to efficiently set up simulations, control advanced modelling options, and perform detailed post-processing of results. Over the years, several specialised versions have been developed (SPIS-GEO, SPIS-Science, SPIS-Dust, SPIS-EP, SPIS-IC, AISEPS), sharing common components and benefiting from cross-enhancement with other scientific communities.
Today, the SPINE community counts more than 1500 registered members, with continuous growth, and around 20 active contributors spanning major industrial actors, SMEs, and academia. Regular community meetings and numerous scientific publications ensure that SPIS remains a living, state-of-the-art tool.
This training course is designed to provide participants with both a theoretical understanding of spacecraft–plasma interaction physics and hands-on expertise in using SPIS for realistic engineering and scientific applications. Through a progressive approach combining theory in the morning and practical sessions in the afternoon, participants will gain the skills needed to confidently apply SPIS to real mission scenarios, from GEO and LEO spacecraft charging to advanced electric propulsion effects.

SPIS TRAINING PROGRAMME

Format :
•Duration: 3 days
•Morning sessions: Theory
•Afternoon sessions: Hands-on practice with SPIS

Day 1 – General Principles
•Introduction to SPIS: objectives, scope, and typical applications
•Fundamentals of spacecraft charging and space plasma physics
•Physical models and numerical approaches implemented in SPIS
•SPIS simulation workflow: setup, execution, and post-processing
•Practical session: simulation of a spacecraft in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)

Day 2 – Advanced Controls
•Particle populations and interaction models
•Mesh quality requirements and handling of unmeshed elements
•Numerical stability, convergence, and performance optimisation
•Practical session: simulation of a spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Day 3 – Electric Propulsion
•Overview of electric propulsion systems and plasma sources
•Modelling of thrusters and cathodes in SPIS
•Volume interactions between plasma plumes and spacecraft
•Erosion and contamination mechanisms
•Practical session: simulation of the effects of electric propulsion on a telecommunication spacecraft

FEES: The registration fee for the training course is € 2400 (VAT excluded) for all participants. For French trainees, the fee is 2880 € VAT Included. Special offer : for students 1500 € VAT Excluded (max 2 students). Reduced fee for multiple participants from the same company : 5% discount for 3 trainees, 10% for 4 trainees, 15% for more than 5 trainees.