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 10 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 5 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