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Welcome to the UniPi Space Propulsion Laboratoryย
Welcome to the UniPi Space Propulsion Laboratoryย
The Space Propulsion Laboratory (SPL) is the home of propulsion innovation at the University of Pisa. Located within the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering (DICI), we serve as an open academic hub where experienced professors, researchers, and students work side-by-side.
We are dedicated to the physics of spaceflight, combining advanced theoretical modelling with rigorous experimental validation. Our facilities allow us to investigate the critical challenges of chemical, electric, and nuclear propulsion, translating fundamental science into engineering solutions.
Through collaboration with agencies and industry, we aim to connect academic research with the evolving needs of spacecrafts. Our work supports the European space sector by developing innovative, high-performance and reliable propulsion systems for the missions of tomorrow.
Chemical Propulsion
Green propellants thrusters, high-test peroxide systems, innovative water propulsion
Electric Propulsion
Hall effect thrusters, iodine propulsion, cathodes and additive manufacturing
Nuclear Propulsion
Ammonia-based bimodal nuclear propulsion systems, NTP & NEP, in-space power generation
Turbomachinery & Cryogenics
Cryogenic journal bearings with liquid methane for reusable rocket engine turbopumps
Ongoing Projects
Ongoing Projects
Active Team Members
Active Team Members
International Partnerships
International Partnerships
Years of Experience
Years of Experience
Supported By
Supported By
A Tradition of Aerospace Engineering Located within the Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering (DICI), our laboratory continues the University of Pisaโs historic legacy in aerospace propulsion. Our team combines the experience of tenured professors with the energy of PhD candidates and fellows, working to translate theoretical physics into viable propulsion systems.
From Simulation to Firing Test We do not rely on theory alone. Our research validates numerical models through rigorous experimental campaigns. Our facilities allow us to test chemical and electric thrusters in representative space conditions, utilizing high-vacuum chambers and advanced non-intrusive diagnostic systems to characterize plume physics and thruster performance.
Contribution to the Scientific Community Our results are regularly presented at major international conferences and published in high-impact journals. We are looking for bright, motivated engineers to join our research group. If you are interested in the physics of space flight and advanced engineering challenges, explore our open positions.
News
News
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
11-15 JAN 2027ย โ ๐บ๐ฒ Orlando, FL, USA - AIAA SciTech Forum 2027 - (Abstracts submitted)
05-09 OCT 2026 โ ๐น๐ท Antalya, Turkey - 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) โ (Abstracts & Special Sessions accepted)
05-07 JUL 2026 ย โ ๐ฏ๐ต Tokyo, Japan - 19th International Symposium on Transport Phenomena and Dynamics of Rotating Machinery (Papers submitted)
28-03 JUL 2026 ย โ ๐ท๐ด Constanศa, Romania - 39th International Conference on ECOS โ (Papers submitted)
18-21 MAY 2026 โ ๐ฎ๐น Bari, Italy - 10th Space Propulsion Conference (SPC) โ (Delegation attending)
Milestones and Achievements
Milestones and Achievements
01-04 MAR 2026 โ ๐ฉ๐ช Karlsruhe, Germany - H2O2 Day & Green SWaP Annual Meeting - Poster Session on HTP Propulsion
11 FEB 2026 ย ย ย โ ๐ช๐บ Pisa, Italy - BANTER Preliminary Design Review: Completed
03-06 FEB 2026 โ ๐ฎ๐น Frascati, Italy - Conferenza Italiana Plasmi (CIP)
29-03 OCT 2025 โ ๐ฆ๐บ Sydney, Australia - 76th Int. Astronautical Congress (IAC) โ (5 papers)
15-19 SEP 2025 โ ๐ซ๐ท Paris, France - World Space Business Week (WSBW) โ (Delegation attending)
14-19 SEP 2025 โ ๐ฌ๐ง London, UK - 39th International Electric Propulsion Conference (IEPC) โ (Papers presented)
29-30 JUL 2025 ย โ ๐ช๐บ Pisa, Italy - BANTER System Requirements Review: Completed
30-04 JUL 2025ย โ ๐ฎ๐น Rome, Italy - 11th European Conference for AeroSpace Sciences (EUCASS) โ (Delegation attending)
17-19 JUN 2025 โ ๐ฎ๐น Turin, Italy - 2nd European Conference on Magnetic Reconnection (ECMR)โ (Papers presented)
04-08 MAY 2025โ ๐บ๐ธ Huntsville, USA - Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space Conference (NETS) โ (Papers presented)
09-10 APR 2025โ ๐ช๐บ Pisa, Italy - Green SWaP System Requirements Review: Completed
21 FEB 2025ย ย ย โ ๐ฎ๐น Pisa, Italy - Lab Facilities Upgrade: chemical propulsion moved to B. Guerrini Laboratory
14 FEB 2025ย ย ย โ ๐ช๐บ Pisa, Italy - Project BANTER Kick-off
14 FEB 2025ย ย ย โ ๐ช๐บ Pisa, Italy - Project EXCITE Kick-off
14-18 OCT 2024โ ๐ฎ๐น Milan, Italy - 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) โ (Delegation)
10 OCT 2024 ย ย โ ๐ช๐บ Pisa, Italyย Project Green SWaP Kick-off
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