ASCenSIon

The purpose of the ASCenSIon project was to develop a programme that focused on several specific areas of cutting edge space access research, particularly on launcher systems that are (partially) reusable and capable of injecting multiple payloads into multiple orbits. More than providing design concepts, the network aimed to identify and advance critical technologies to prove a feasibility of these concepts.

The acronym vividly describes the core objective of promoting a new class of space scientists that were not only excellent specialists in their respective field, but who also had a thorough understanding for the complexity, multidisciplinary and internationality of launcher development in order to become leaders in the European effort of utilising space.

ASCenSIon was a Consortium of 11 direct Beneficiaries and 17 Associated Partners that brought together academy and industry representatives from small to mid-size enterprises, big companies, universities, and governmental research institutes. Core of the project were the 15 Early Stage Researchers, recruited worldwide. Moreover, External Advisors were involved.

The 11 Beneficiaries were the institutions that hosted the Early Stage Researchers for the entire duration of the project and benefited directly from the participation to it. They were involved in every aspect and decision of ASCenSIon: leading the WPs, organizing and hosting events and meetings, directly contributing to the training programme, providing knowledge and expertise, etc. Moreover, they were the responsible for the ESR main training and supervision.

The Associated Partners were instead the institutions that hosted the ESRs during their secondments and helped overseeing and evaluating the quality of the training programme, contributing with their expertise. Thanks to their knowledge about the commercial sector, they were also a valuable source capable to provide insights about the space market needs.

The University of Pisa was one of the hosting institutions. Here, the research group was composed by two Early Stage Researchers, A. Sarritzu and L. Blondel-Canepari. 

L. Blondel-Canepari focused her research work on the asssessment of green propellants for reusable launchers. This included evaluating and integrating green propellant technologies in future launchers for both the primary and control (ACS/RCS) propulsion, and in the overall system design of green expendable upper stages.

A. Sarritzu research topic was about "Design solutions for green expendable upper stages", and included recommendation of green propellant technologies for future substitution of current ones powered by toxic propellants, and possible re-design of the most critical components.