M-IND (Mid-size satellite INDustrialisation) aims to expand production capacity for mid-size LEO satellites, reducing costs and lead time for innovative LEO constellation missions.
M-IND focuses on:
- LEO constellations for secure communications, resilient navigation, and frequent Earth observation
- Mid-size satellites (100–500 kg, 200–2000 W) to be deployed at 300–1200 km altitude from 2028; electric propulsion may target satellites up to 750 or 1200 kg
- Adapting recurring platform sub-systems (e.g., avionics, propulsion) for mass production and interoperability
- Supporting a range of applications with a payload-agnostic, common-interface approach
- Integrating institutional (ESA, EC, National) and commercial methodologies
The M-IND Market perspective is driven by the ESA Programme Directorates (D/EOP, D/NAV, D/CSC , the last two newly merged in a joint D/RNC directorate) which constitute the three main pillars of the “Space for a Secure and Resilient Europe” initiative, with the new European Resilience (ERS) from Space for EO, the LEO-PNT IOD preparation phase and the IRIS2 Low-LEO layer in the front-run of potentially benefitting LEO constellations. The Directorate of Technology , Eng. and quality D/TEC is also a leading player regarding Industrialisation processes and equipment supply chain adaptations through GSTP Programme. Other Directorates are also part (e.g. D/STS for cost-effective constellation deployment, D/CIC for Industrial Policy and commercialisation, and others like D/OPS for sustainability challenges or D/SCI also contribute to M-IND).
Electric propulsion has been recognized as a high-priority area, serving as both an enabler and a strategic asset for low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations of mid-sized satellites.
This workshop will be held at ESTEC and online on 1 April 2026 to:
· provide a platform for propulsion subsystem integrators of mid-size LEO satellites to present their needs, and for equipment suppliers to outline product performance and industrial capabilities,
· develop interoperability guidelines based on pre-workshop surveys and discussions.
To register for this workshop (REGISTRATION) you must be an Agency Delegate, Operator, Integrator or Supplier of Electric Propulsion subsystems and/or equipment. Please note that only corporate email addresses and phone numbers originating from ESA Member or Associate States are accepted.
The workshop is organised in sessions (AGENDA).
Integrators of Electric Propulsion subsystems are invited to deliver a 15 min presentation pitch focus on:
- Electric propulsion Subsystem architecture
- High level Electric Propulsion equipment requirements
Suppliers of integrated Electric propulsion subsystems & equipment are invited to deliver a 10 min presentation pitch focus on:
- Datasheet, schematic and pictures
- TRL with details on achieved qualification on ground or roadmap to flight readiness
- Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL)
- Number of products ordered / in-orbit
- Demonstrated lead time vs scaling-up production capacities and critical mass to be sustainable
- Supply chain independence/resilience and gaps
