Ionic Booster Course
About our
The Ion Propulsion Course explores the operation and application of these propulsion devices, using principles of plasma physics and electrodynamics. It focuses on the design, construction, and testing of ion propulsion engines, addressing propellant ionization (usually inert gas), ion acceleration using electric fields, and ion beam neutralization to prevent charge buildup. It is linked to disciplines such as aerospace engineering, materials science, and fluid mechanics, focusing on efficiency and sustainability in space. The course provides a solid theoretical foundation complemented by computational simulations (e.g., PIC-MCC) and, in some cases, hands-on experience in the assembly and evaluation of ion thruster prototypes. It delves into the technologies of ion sources, acceleration grids, electric propulsion systems, and their adaptation to long-duration space missions. Aimed at engineers, physicists, and technicians interested in space exploration and the development of advanced propulsion technologies.
Ionic Booster Course
- Format: Hybrid
- Duration: 3 months
- Hours: 300 H
- Language: English / Spanish
- Registration date: 23-10-2026
- Start date: 12-12-2026
- Available places: 2
725 $
Competencies and results
What you will learn
1. Domain of Ion Propulsion: Design, Simulation and Optimization
- Fundamentals of Ion Propulsion: Physical principles, history, and applications.
- Design of Ion Propulsion Systems: Architectures, key components, and materials.
- Simulation of Ion Propulsion: Plasma modeling, particle dynamics, and specialized software.
- Optimization of Ion Propulsion Systems: Efficiency, thrust, lifetime, and control.
- Analysis of Fluctuations in the Electric and Magnetic Fields.
- Design and simulation of cathodes and anodes.
- Study of the interaction between the electric field and charged particles.
- Control of discharge instability.
- Implementation of ion beam stabilization and control techniques.
- Experimentation and validation of models.
2. In-depth Rotor Analysis: 3D Modeling and Dynamic Performance
- Model complex rotors using specialized 3D design software.
- Simulate the dynamic behavior of rotors under various operating conditions.
- Understand and evaluate critical failure modes, including flap-lag-torsion, whirl flutter, and fatigue.
- Apply finite element analysis (FEA) techniques for the dimensioning of laminates in composites.
- Design and analyze structural joints, including bonded joints, using FEA.
- Integrate damage tolerance strategies into the design and analysis of rotors.
- Apply non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, such as UT/RT/thermography, for rotor inspection.
3. Comprehensive user-oriented design and validation (from modeling to manufacturing)
You will learn to integrate the entire product development process, from initial model conception to final validation, applying user-centered methodologies. You will develop skills in parametric design, ergonomics, simulation, sustainable materials, 3D visualization, and manufacturing management, ensuring efficient, safe solutions that meet current industry standards.
4. Ion Propulsion Engineering: Modeling, Simulation and Analysis of Components
4. Ion Propulsion Engineering: Modeling, Simulation, and Component Analysis
- Understand the fundamental principles of ion propulsion.
- Analyze the different types of ion propellants and their applications.
- Model and simulate the behavior of ion propellants using specialized software.
- Evaluate the performance of ion propulsion components, including electrodes, accelerators, and neutralizers.
- Study the effects of plasma-surface interaction on ion propellants.
- Analyze the challenges associated with miniaturization and efficiency improvements in ion propellants.
- Apply data analysis techniques to interpret simulation and experimental results.
- Design optimized ion propulsion systems for specific space missions.
Explore the latest trends and developments in ion propulsion technology.
Become familiar with the safety standards and regulations applicable to space propulsion systems.
5. Ion Propulsion Rotors: Advanced Modeling and Performance Evaluation
- To delve deeper into the analysis of complex electromagnetic fields associated with ion propulsion.
- To model and simulate the behavior of plasmas used in ion propulsion rotors, including their interaction with electric and magnetic fields.
- To study the different types of ion rotor designs, their advantages and disadvantages.
- To evaluate the performance of the rotors, considering factors such as thrust, energy consumption, and efficiency.
- To use advanced simulation tools for modeling and optimizing ion propulsion rotors.
- To analyze the effects of temperature and pressure on rotor performance.
- To investigate the current limitations of Ion propulsion technology and potential solutions.
Explore the potential applications of ion propulsion rotors in various fields, such as aeronautics and space exploration.
Understand the materials used in the construction of ion propulsion rotors and their relevant properties.
Design control strategies to optimize the performance and stability of ion propulsion rotors.
6. Modeling and Analysis of Ion Propulsion Rotors: Design and Performance Evaluation
6. **Modeling and Analysis of Ion Propulsion Rotors: Design and Performance Evaluation**
Understand the fundamentals of ion propulsion rotor design.
Study the principles of ion propulsion and its applications.
Learn to mathematically model ion rotors and their components.
Analyze the behavior of rotors under different operating conditions.
Evaluate the performance of ion rotors, including efficiency and thrust.
Use simulation tools for rotor design and analysis.
Identify and mitigate stability and vibration problems.
Explore rotor design optimization techniques.
Study the materials and technologies used in the manufacture of ion rotors.
Analyze the impact of design on durability. and the lifespan of the rotors.
Who this program is for:
Ionic Booster Course
- Engineers with degrees in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, Automation, or related fields.
- Industry experts in OEM rotorcraft/eVTOL, MRO, aeronautical consulting, and researchers from technology centers.
- Flight Testing, aeronautical certification, avionics, control systems, and flight dynamics professionals who wish to delve deeper into the subject.
- Staff from regulatory authorities and key profiles in the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) sector eVTOLs that require knowledge of regulatory compliance.
Recommendations: Prior knowledge of aerodynamics, systems control, and structures is recommended. A B2+/C1 level of Spanish/English is required. We offer bridging tracks to address any gaps in knowledge.
- Standards-driven curriculum: you will work with CS-27/CS-29, DO-160, DO-178C/DO-254, ARP4754A/ARP4761, ADS-33E-PRF from the first module.
- Accreditable laboratories (EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibrations/acoustics.
- Evidence-oriented TFM: safety case, test plan, compliance dossierand operational limits.
- Mentored by industry: teachers with experience in rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
- Flexible modality (hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and security: safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
2.1 Fundamental Principles of Ion Propulsion
2.2 Design of Ion Propulsion Systems
2.3 Flow Simulation in Ion Propulsion
2.4 Efficiency Optimization in Ion Propulsion
2.5 Materials and Components for Ion Propulsion
2.6 Emerging Applications and Technologies in Ion Propulsion
2.7 Performance Analysis and System Evaluation
2.8 Design and Parameter Selection in Ion Propulsion
2.9 Modeling Effects and Phenomena in Ion Propulsion
2.10 Case Studies and Practical Applications
3.1 Fundamentals of Ion Propulsion Design
3.2 3D Modeling of Ion Propulsion Systems
3.3 CFD Simulation of Ion Propulsion Systems
3.4 Performance Analysis of Ion Propulsion Systems
3.5 Selection of Materials and Components for Propulsion Systems Ionic Propulsion
3.6 Design of Ionic Propulsion Control Systems
3.7 Optimization of Ionic Propulsion Geometry
3.8 Environmental Impact Assessment of Ionic Propulsion
3.9 Case Studies and Real-World Applications of Ionic Propulsion
3.10 Testing and Validation of Ionic Propulsion
4.1 Key Components of Ionic Propulsion Engineering
4.2 Modeling and Simulation of Ionic Propulsion Systems
4.3 Flow and Dynamics Analysis in Ionic Propulsion
4.4 Material Selection and Component Manufacturing
4.5 Design of Control and Stability Systems
4.6 Optimization of Performance and Energy Efficiency
4.7 Integration of Ionic Propulsion Systems
4.8 Risk Assessment and Reliability Analysis
4.9 Case Studies of Ionic Propulsion Applications
4.10 Future Trends in Ion Propulsion Engineering
5.1 Advanced Modeling of Ion Propulsion Rotors
5.2 Rotor Flow and Dynamics Analysis
5.3 Optimal Design of Rotors for Ion Propulsion
5.4 Rotor Performance Simulation
5.5 Material Selection and Manufacturing Processes
5.6 Rotor Integration and Assembly
5.7 Performance Evaluation and Optimization
5.8 Failure Analysis and Risk Mitigation
5.9 Real-World Applications and Case Studies
5.10 Future Trends in Rotor Design
6.1 Design Principles for Ion Propulsion Rotors
6.2 3D Modeling of Rotors and Components
6.3 Rotor Flow Simulation and Analysis
6.4 Design for Performance Optimization
6.5 Material Selection and Manufacturing Methods
6.6 Structural and Dynamic Analysis of Rotors
6.7 Performance and Energy Efficiency Evaluation
6.8 Design of Control and Stability Systems
6.9 Case Studies of Ion Propulsion Rotors
6.10 Maintenance and Durability Considerations
7.1 Modeling and Simulation of Ion Propulsion Rotors
7.2 Flow Analysis and Fluid Dynamics in Rotors
7.3 Geometric Optimization of Rotors
7.4 Performance Evaluation: Thrust, Efficiency, Noise
7.5 Material Selection and Manufacturing Processes
7.6 Design of Control and Stability Systems
7.7 Structural and Dynamic Analysis of Rotors
7.8 Case Studies and Practical Applications
7.9 Multi-Objective Optimization Techniques
7.10 Experimental Validation and Rotor Testing
8.1 Rotor Design Principles for Ion Propulsion Systems
8.2 3D Modeling and Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
8.3 Computational Flow Dynamics (CFD) Simulation for Rotors
8.4 Optimization of Rotor Aerodynamic Performance
8.5 Material Selection and Manufacturing Methods
8.6 Structural and Dynamic Analysis of Rotors
8.7 System Simulation and Performance Evaluation
8.8 Design of Control and Stability Systems
8.9 Case Studies and Practical Applications
8.10 Rotor Testing and Validation
2.2 Principles of Rotational Aerodynamics: Fundamentals for Rotor Modeling.
2.2 Airfoil Design: Selection and Optimization for Rotors.
2.3 3D Rotor Modeling: Software and Advanced Techniques.
2.4 Airflow Simulation: Dynamic Performance Analysis.
2.5 Key Performance Parameters: Thrust, Power, and Efficiency.
2.6 Structural Analysis: Loads and Rotor Design.
2.7 Design Optimization: Tools and Methodologies.
2.8 Material Design: Selection and Strength for Rotors.
2.9 Vibration Evaluation: Analysis and Mitigation.
2.20 Case Studies: Rotor Analysis in Real-World Applications.
3.3 Introduction to 3D Modeling of Ion Thrusters
3.2 Software and Tools for 3D Design
3.3 Component Design: Electrodes, Housing, and Control Systems
3.4 Simulation of Electric Fields and Propulsion Forces
3.5 Design Optimization for Performance and Efficiency
3.6 Ion Flow Analysis and Plasma Dynamics
3.7 Integrating 3D Design with Performance Simulations
3.8 Prototyping and Virtual Testing
3.9 Design for Manufacturing and Assembly
3.30 Case Studies: Application in Different Scenarios
4.4 Modeling of Ion Propulsion Components: Structure and Materials
4.2 Simulation of Electric and Magnetic Fields in Ion Propulsion Systems
4.3 Analysis of Fluid-Structure Interaction in Ion Propulsion Systems
4.4 Optimization of Component Design for Efficiency
4.5 Modeling of Control and Regulation Systems
4.6 Simulation of Ion Propulsion System Performance Under Different Conditions
4.7 Analysis of Component Lifespan and Reliability
4.8 Environmental Impact Assessment and Sustainability
4.9 Design of Power Supply and Energy Management Systems
4.40 Integration and Testing of Ion Propulsion Components
5. Introduction to Ion Propulsion and its Fundamentals
5. Principles of Ion Propulsion and its Applications in Naval Engineering
3. Conceptual Design and Modeling of Ion Propulsion Systems
4. Key Components of an Ion Propulsion System
5. Types of Ion Thrusters and their Characteristics
6. Rotor Design in Ion Propulsion Systems
7. Rotor Modeling and Simulation
8. Rotor Design Analysis and Optimization
9. Ion Propulsion Simulation Methodologies
50. Performance and Efficiency Evaluation of Ion Thrusters
55. Materials and Manufacturing of Ion Components
55. Engineering and Assembly of Ion Propulsion Systems 53. Advanced Rotor Modeling: Aerodynamic and Flow Aspects
54. Stability and Control Analysis in Ion Propulsion Systems
55. Rotor Design Optimization for Improved Performance
56. Rotor Lifespan and Reliability Assessment
57. Case Studies and Practical Applications of Ion Propulsion
58. Design and Simulation of Optimized Rotors for Ion Propulsion
6.6 Fundamentals of Ion Propulsion and Rotor Design
6.2 Advanced 3D Rotor Modeling for Simulation
6.3 Flow Simulation and Performance Analysis of Rotors
6.4 Rotor Design Optimization for Ion Propulsion Systems
6.5 Materials and Manufacturing for Ion Rotors
6.6 Performance Evaluation: Testing and Validation
6.7 Rotor Failure and Reliability Analysis
6.8 Integration of Rotors into Ion Propulsion Systems
6.9 Cost and Life Cycle Considerations for Rotors
6.60 Case Studies: Design and Evaluation of Successful Rotors
- Hands-on methodology: test-before-you-trust, design reviews, failure analysis, compliance evidence.
- Software (depending on licenses/partners): MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), OpenVSP, SU2/OpenFOAM, Nastran/Abaqus, AMESim/Modelica, acoustics tools, planning toolchains DO-178C.
- SEIUM Laboratories: scale rotor bench, vibrations/acoustics, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL for AFCS, data acquisition with strain gauging.
- Standards and compliance: EN 9100, 17025, ISO 27001, GDPR.
Capstone-type projects
- Ion Propulsion: 3D design, simulation, and optimization of rotors and components.
- Performance Analysis: Modeling and evaluation of ion propulsion performance.
- Detailed Engineering: Advanced simulation and optimization of propulsion systems.
- Validation: Performance studies with modeling and analysis.
- Ion Propulsion: Comprehensive system design, simulation, and optimization.
- Rotors: 3D modeling, dynamic analysis, and performance evaluation.
- Components: Engineering, simulation, and analysis of each part.
- Propellant Design: 3D modeling and optimization.
- Ion Propulsion: 3D design, CFD simulation, efficiency and performance optimization.
- Rotor Modeling: Modal, dynamic, and performance analysis; evaluation of different designs.
- Ion Thrusters: Comprehensive design, component simulation, and detailed analysis.
- Optimized Ion Propulsion: 3D design, CFD/FEA simulation; performance analysis.
- Propulsion Rotors: Dynamic modeling, aerodynamic optimization.
- Ion Components: Simulation, structural analysis, performance evaluation.
- Performance Evaluation: Simulation, optimization, and analysis.
- Rotor Optimization: Simulation and performance evaluation.
Admissions, fees, and scholarships
- Profile: Background in Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields; practical experience in NLP and valued information retrieval systems.
- Documentation: Updated CV, academic transcript, SOP/statement of purpose, project examples or code (optional).
- Process: Application → Technical evaluation of profile and experience → Technical interview → Review of case studies → Final decision → Enrollment.
- Fees:
- Single payment: 10% discount.
- Payment in 3 installments: No fees; 30% upon registration + 2 equal monthly payments of the remaining 35%.
Monthly payment: available with a 7% commission on the total; annual review.
Scholarships: based on academic merit, financial need, and promoting inclusion; agreements with companies in the sector for partial or full scholarships.
See “Calendar & Calls for Applications,” “Scholarships & Grants,” and “Fees & Financing” in the SEIUM mega-menu.
Do you have any questions?
Our team is ready to help you. Contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
F. A. Q
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we have international certification
Yes: experimental models, real data, applied simulations, professional environments, real case studies.
It is not mandatory. We offer leveling tracks and tutoring.
Completely. It covers e-propulsion, integration, and emerging regulations (SC-VTOL).
Recommended. There are also internal challenges and consortiums.
Yes. Online/hybrid modality with planned labs and visa support (see “Visa & Residence”).