M-IND Electric Propulsion Interoperability Workshop

Europe/Amsterdam
Aj045A - Newton 2 (ESTEC)

Aj045A - Newton 2

ESTEC

Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands
Alexander Eckervogt, Davina Di Cara (European Space Agency), Jamila Mansouri (Head of Propulsion, Aerothermodynamics and Flight Vehicles Division)
Description

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.

If you are an Integrator or Supplier, you are required to complete the survey available at the bottom of this webpage (Excel file: SURVEY M-IND EP Subsystem Interoperability Workshop). The completed survey must be submitted to m-ind_propulsion@esa.int no later than 18 March 2026.

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
    • 09:00 09:15
      Welcome & Introduction 15m Aj045A - Newton 2

      Aj045A - Newton 2

      ESTEC

      Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands

      Overview of Workshop Objectives

    • 09:15 09:30
      Session 1 – ESA Mission Needs: LEO Constellations for Earth Observation 15m Aj045A - Newton 2

      Aj045A - Newton 2

      ESTEC

      Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands
    • 09:30 09:45
      Session 1 – ESA Mission Needs: LEO Constellations for Communication 15m Aj045A - Newton 2

      Aj045A - Newton 2

      ESTEC

      Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands
    • 09:45 10:00
      Session 1 – ESA Mission Needs: LEO Constellations for Navigation 15m Aj045A - Newton 2

      Aj045A - Newton 2

      ESTEC

      Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands
    • 10:00 10:10
      Session 1 – ESA Mission Needs: Space Debris Mitigation and Ecodesign 10m Aj045A - Newton 2

      Aj045A - Newton 2

      ESTEC

      Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands
    • 10:10 10:20
      Session 1 – ESA Mission Needs: GSTP M-IND Call Status 10m Aj045A - Newton 2

      Aj045A - Newton 2

      ESTEC

      Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands
    • 10:20 10:30
      Session 1 – ESA Mission Needs: ESA EP Roadmap. R&Ds WPs & Harmo 10m Aj045A - Newton 2

      Aj045A - Newton 2

      ESTEC

      Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands
    • 10:30 10:45
      Coffee Break 15m
    • 10:45 12:00
      Session 2 - Electric Propulsion Subsystem Integrators needs Aj045A - Newton 2

      Aj045A - Newton 2

      ESTEC

      Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands
    • 12:00 13:00
      Session 3 - Electric Propulsion Equipment capability: Part 1 Aj045A - Newton 2

      Aj045A - Newton 2

      ESTEC

      Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands
    • 13:00 14:00
      Lunch Break 1h Main Cantine

      Main Cantine

    • 14:00 15:45
      Session 3 - Electric Propulsion Equipment capability: Part 2 Aj045A - Newton 2

      Aj045A - Newton 2

      ESTEC

      Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands
    • 15:45 16:45
      Session 4 - Pre-Workshop Survey Analysis & Workshop Activities 1h Aj045A - Newton 2

      Aj045A - Newton 2

      ESTEC

      Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands
    • 16:45 17:00
      Coffee Break 15m
    • 17:00 17:30
      Final Wrap-Up Aj045A - Newton 2

      Aj045A - Newton 2

      ESTEC

      Keplerlaan 1 2201 AZ Noordwijk Netherlands

      Conlcuding the workshop, summing up key takeaways and follow ups