Research
Explore our active projects and experimental activities
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The Space Propulsion Laboratory at the University of Pisa is one of the few academic centers with active research lines covering the three pillars of modern space propulsion: chemical, electric and nuclear propulsion By combining advanced numerical simulations with experimental testing capabilities, we develop solutions for the next generation of propulsion technologies.
Our work is deeply integrated into the international aerospace community, driven by strategic partnerships with the European Space Agency (ESA), the Italian Space Agency (ASI), and the European Union.
Active Projects
Active Projects
IMPACT
Innovative Manufacturing Processes for
Advanced Commercial Thrusters
July 2025 - Present
CHIPS for EXCITE
CubeSat HTP Innovative Propulsion System for
EXtended Cubesat for Innovative Technology Experiments
February 2025 - Present
ICE-T
ICE-T
ICE-T
Risk mitigation on the adoption of Iodine cathodes for electric propulsion
January 2024 - Present
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BART
Journal Bearing Assessment for Re-usable Turbopumps
February 2018 - Present
PRIN
Multi-propellant diamond based hollow cathodes for space and industrial applications
January 2023 - Present
Past Projects
Past Projects
ASCenSIon
Advancing Space Access Capabilities -
Reusability and Multiple Satellite Injection
ASPIRE
ASPIRE
Advanced Space Propulsion for Innovative Realization of Space Exploration
January 2021 - March 2024
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I2HET
I2HET
Use of Iodine as Propellant for Hall Effect Thrusters
February 2017 - September 2021
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HIPER
HIPER
High Power Electric Propulsion
February 2009 - September 2012
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ASI contratto n. I/R/242/02
ASI contratto n. I/R/242/02
MHD Interactions in Hypersonic Flows
February 2004 - September 2006
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ESA Contract No 18614/04/NL/PM
ESA Contract No 18614/04/NL/PM
Study on Methods to Increase Efficiency of Applied Field MPD Thrusters Operating in the 10-100 kW Range
February 2004 - September 2006
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Programma biennale MURST-COFIN
Programma biennale MURST-COFIN
Diagnostica di motori magneto-plasma-dinamici per applicazioni spaziali
January 2000 - September 2002
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Programma triennale ASI-Comitato Scientifico
Programma triennale ASI-Comitato Scientifico
Theoretical and experimental development of MPD thrusters
January 1998 - October 2003
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Programma triennale ASI-Comitato Scientifico
Programma triennale ASI-Comitato Scientifico
Study and testing of MPD thrusters; plume and performance diagnostics
May 1994 - October 1997
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AFOSR Contract
AFOSR Contract
High Cathode Temperature Experiments on an MPD Thruster
February 1993 - May 1994
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