Space Propulsion Conference 26

10th edition of the Space Propulsion Conference

  • Date:

    18 MAY
    -
    21 MAY 2026
     

  • Event location: Bari, Italy

  • Type: Conference

BOOST at Space Propulsion 2026
The BOOST project was represented at the 10th International Conference on Space Propulsion, held in Bari, Italy, from 18 to 21 May 2026. Organised by 3AF with the involvement of ESA, CNES and ASI, Space Propulsion is an international forum dedicated to technical and programmatic developments across the different fields of space propulsion.

Several contributions connected with the research activities carried out within BOOST were presented during the conference, highlighting different aspects of iodine electric propulsion, RF cathode development, plume modelling and advanced electromagnetic concepts:

  • M. Magarotto, L. Tonon, F. Cescon, R. Tan, M. Sartore, M. R. Inchingolo, J. Navarro-Cavallé, D. Pavarin, G. E. Bonacchini, L. Schenato, A.-D. Capobianco, “Metasurfaces to Advance Electric Space Propulsion”, SP2026-329.
  • L. Tonon, R. Tan, F. Cescon, M. Magarotto, G. Pitacco, D. Pavarin, “Reconfigurable RF Cathode operated with noble gases and iodine”, SP2026-335.
  • F. Cescon, S. Di Fede, M. Manente, D. Pavarin, M. Magarotto, L. Tonon, R. Tan, “Three-dimensional fully kinetic plume modeling of a Gridded Ion Thruster”, SP2026-323.
  • R. Tan, L. Tonon, F. Cescon, D. Pavarin, M. Magarotto, “Design of an Iodine Compatible RF Cathode via Global Modelling and Electromagnetic Simulations”, SP2026-364.
  • S. Mazouffre, A. Marianacci, “Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy on Atomic and Singly Ionized Iodine in Radiofrequency Plasma Discharges”, SP2026-474.

The contributions provided an opportunity to disseminate recent results related to the technological developments addressed within BOOST, ranging from the design and operation of iodine-compatible RF cathodes to plume–spacecraft interaction modelling and innovative concepts for improving electric propulsion performance.

Participation in Space Propulsion 2026 further strengthened the visibility of BOOST within the international propulsion community and supported scientific exchange with researchers, agencies and industrial stakeholders working on next-generation space propulsion technologies.

For more information on the conference: Space Propulsion 2026