A global team of scientists is developing a new space propulsion system that could revolutionize how satellites and spacecraft move through space. The Water-based Electric Thrusters (WET) project, led by the University of Bologna, is exploring how water can replace traditional fuels in space travel.
Researchers aim to convert water into plasma, a high-energy state of matter, to generate thrust. This breakthrough could pave the way for a more affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly method of propulsion.
The project is hosted at the University of Bologna on the Forlì Campus of Alma Mater and is funded under the Horizon Europe MSCA Staff Exchange program.
Scientists from nine leading universities and research institutes across Europe, Africa, and Oceania are contributing their expertise in engineering, physics, and advanced space technology.
How water can power spacecraft?
The goal is to develop a new electric thruster that operates within a 500 to 1000-watt power range, making it suitable for small satellites (SmallSats) and deep-space missions. Unlike traditional chemical fuels that release harmful emissions, water-based propulsion offers a safer and more sustainable alternative.
By transforming water into plasma, electrical energy can be used to accelerate the particles and create thrust. This system could significantly lower space mission costs and even allow spacecraft to refuel using water sources found in space, such as on the Moon or asteroids.
Professor Fabrizio Ponti, the project’s lead researcher at the University of Bologna, emphasized that this initiative will make access to space more sustainable and widely available.
Testing and development at advanced research facilities
To bring this concept to reality, laboratories at the Alma Propulsion Laboratory are undergoing upgrades with advanced equipment to test water-based plasma thrusters.
Specialized tools will be used to measure plasma behavior and ensure precise and consistent results. These developments will allow researchers to refine the technology before it can be integrated into real-world space missions.
If successful, the project could transform the way satellites and spacecraft are powered, offering a cleaner and more efficient alternative for deep-space exploration, satellite deployment, and long-duration missions.
Beyond propulsion, the research could lead to new applications in plasma technology and energy generation.
Greener space exploration
Standardizing water-based propulsion could be a major step toward making space exploration more affordable and environmentally responsible.
With the growing demand for sustainable technology in space travel, this research aligns with international efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of space activities while creating new opportunities for scientific and commercial innovation.
As scientists continue refining the technology, the future of space travel could soon depend on one of Earth’s most abundant and renewable resources: water.