ISRO completes extended plasma propeller testing to enable future satellite propulsion
ISRO completes extended plasma propeller testing to enable future satellite propulsion
Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) April 1, 2025
On March 27, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) marked an important milestone in satellite propulsion technology by ending a 1,000-hour endurance test of its 300-Millinewton fixed plasma propulsion device (SPT). The propeller is designed for integration into electric propulsion systems, aiming to ultimately replace traditional chemical propulsion in ISRO’s future satellite platform.
Electric propulsion systems offer considerable advantages, especially the potential for substantial reductions in satellite mass. This mass saving translates into greater capability of communication payloads such as transponders. The system uses xenon as a propellant, with specific pulses six times higher than conventional chemical propulsion, a key indicator of propulsion performance.
The test was conducted at a full power level of 5.4 kW, in a vacuum chamber to simulate space conditions. Throughout the experiment, engineers kept a close eye on wear on the electrode lining. These erosion measurements are critical for accurate estimation of thruster life and optimized satellite orbit control.
ISRO believes that this achievement is a key step towards the operation and deployment of electric propulsion systems. The thruster is set to orbit verification of the upcoming Technical Demonstration Satellite (TDS-01), in which it will be used for orbital elevation and parking station operations to geographic orbits.
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