Electric propulsion satellite project gets go-ahead

A new generation of satellites propelled by solar electric thrusters will be developed by ESA following the signing of a new contract. The space agency has signed a contract with satellite operator SES, of Luxembourg, to move to the next phase of the Electra project – a partnership between ESA and SES to develop and validate in space an electric-only propulsion platform for geostationary telecommunication satellites of about three tonnes launch mass. More

(Source: E&T - Oct 17)