Space development of the HDLT Australian Plasma Thruster

In collaboration with the largest European Aerospce company (ASTRIUM/EADS), this project will develop the Australian steerable plasma thruster, HDLT, and test its operation with the aim of space qualifying an integrated electrical propulsion system capable of transporting a payload to Mars and beyond. Different propellants will be tested to allow the spacecraft to refuel at destination. The final objective will be to test a spacecraft flight product. The potential advantages are sufficiently great that a rapid development and qualification of an HDLT will be implemented. Such a development will significantly raise the commercialisation and aerospace investment in the technology.