BOOST Participates in Round Table on Alternative Propellants at the 2025 International Electrodeless Plasma Thruster Workshop

The project BOOST has been presented at the Electrodeless Plasma Thruster Workshop that has been held in Madrid on July 2-3

Published on 04 July 2025 | Event

The BOOST project was featured in the round table “Alternative Propellants and Air-Breathing Applications”, one of five expert discussions held during the 2025 International Electrodeless Plasma Thruster (EPT) Workshop. The event gathered leading researchers and stakeholders in the field of electrodeless propulsion to address current challenges and future directions for space transportation.

Representing the BOOST project, Fabrizio Ponti (University of Bologna) presented ongoing work on the use of iodine and water as alternative propellants for the next generation of electric propulsion systems. The presentation focused on the scientific and engineering challenges associated with these molecular propellants, particularly in relation to plasma modeling, material compatibility, and testing infrastructure.

Special attention was given to:

  • The development of an RF cathode to improve neutralization capabilities in iodine-fed thrusters;
  • The need for dedicated storage and fluidic systems compatible with chemically reactive species like iodine and water
  • The adaptation of test facilities to safely handle corrosive environments;
  • The potential of on-orbit refueling missions supported by smart cartridge-based storage systems.

During the discussion, several questions from the audience addressed the performance of RF cathodes in reactive plasmas and the strategies adopted by BOOST to mitigate the corrosive effects of iodine on propulsion hardware and ground infrastructure. These topics underline the importance of a robust and interdisciplinary approach, combining numerical modeling, experimental validation, and materials science.

This round table provided a valuable opportunity to highlight the objectives of BOOST. Together, these initiatives aim to make electric propulsion more sustainable, refillable, and mission-flexible, contributing to the long-term goal of a scalable and serviceable in-orbit transportation infrastructure.