Apply now
Master'sAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space Applications open

Master’s in Electric Space Propulsion Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in electric space propulsion engineering: 12 modules covering propulsion fundamentals, plasma physics, Hall-effect and gridded ion thrusters, other electric technologies, power processing units, propellant storage and feed, spacecraft integration, missions, testing and numerical modelling, with an assigned technical tutor.

Duration1900 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute diploma
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

Take the controls.

Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Understand the fundamentals of space propulsion.

02

Apply plasma physics.

03

Analyse Hall-effect and ion thrusters.

04

Design propellant feed systems.

05

Integrate electric propulsion into satellites.

06

Plan tests.

07

Simulate thrusters.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Electric space propulsion engineers seeking a complete view from plasma to mission.
  • Plasma physicists moving into thruster design and testing.
  • Power electronics engineers working on PPUs and high-voltage converters.
  • Propulsion systems engineers responsible for feed systems and integration.
  • Test engineers running vacuum chamber and life test campaigns.
  • Mission analysts working on low-thrust trajectories and orbit raising.
  • Engineering or science graduates aiming to enter the space sector.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ECSS-E-ST-35C (propulsion general requirements)
  • ECSS-E-ST-35-01C (liquid and electric propulsion for spacecraft)
  • ECSS-E-ST-10-03C (testing)
  • ECSS-E-ST-20C (electrical and electronic)
  • ISO 24113:2023 (space debris mitigation requirements)
  • ECSS-Q-ST-70C (materials, mechanical parts and processes)
  • AIAA S-080 (space systems — metallic pressure vessels, pressurised structures and pressure components)
  • MATLAB
  • COMSOL Multiphysics
  • HPHall
  • SPIS
  • Python
Syllabus

12 modules · 1900 h

  1. 1.1Tsiolkovsky equation and mass fraction
  2. 1.2Specific impulse and thrust
  3. 1.3Chemical versus electric propulsion
  4. 1.4Mission delta-v budget
  5. 1.5Relationship between power, thrust and impulse
  6. 1.6Propellant and system mass
  7. 1.7Classification of electric thrusters
  8. 1.8Historical evolution and pioneering missions
  9. 1.9Current electric propulsion market
  10. 1.10Lab: comparison of chemical and electric propellant mass
  1. 2.1Ionisation and electrical discharges
  2. 2.2Plasma parameters: density and temperature
  3. 2.3Plasma fluid equations
  4. 2.4Kinetic models and the distribution function
  5. 2.5Particle motion in magnetic fields
  6. 2.6Collisions and anomalous transport
  7. 2.7Sheaths and wall phenomena
  8. 2.8Plasma instabilities and oscillations
  9. 2.9Langmuir probe diagnostics
  10. 2.10Practical exercise: parameters of a xenon plasma
  1. 3.1Operating principle of the Hall thruster
  2. 3.2Discharge channel and anode
  3. 3.3Magnetic circuit design
  4. 3.4Hollow cathodes and neutralisation
  5. 3.5Erosion of the ceramic channel
  6. 3.6Magnetic shielding for long life
  7. 3.7Performance and efficiency
  8. 3.8Reference models: SPT-100 and PPS-5000
  9. 3.9Life qualification tests
  10. 3.10Case study: performance of an HET
  1. 4.1Grid systems and ion extraction
  2. 4.2DC discharge ion sources
  3. 4.3RIT radio-frequency sources
  4. 4.4Neutraliser and charge balance
  5. 4.5Grid erosion and lifetime
  6. 4.6High specific impulse performance
  7. 4.7Reference missions: Dawn and BepiColombo
  8. 4.8Ion optics and divergence
  9. 4.9Power and thrust control
  10. 4.10Lab: thrust calculation for a gridded thruster
  1. 5.1Electrospray and colloid thrusters
  2. 5.2Liquid-metal FEEP thrusters
  3. 5.3Pulsed plasma thrusters
  4. 5.4Resistojets and arcjets
  5. 5.5Electrodeless helicon thrusters
  6. 5.6VASIMR engine and high power
  7. 5.7Solar sails and propellant-less propulsion
  8. 5.8Propulsion for CubeSats
  9. 5.9Comparison of technologies
  10. 5.10Practical exercise: technology selection for a 12U CubeSat
  1. 6.1Architecture of a PPU
  2. 6.2High-voltage converters
  3. 6.3Discharge control and ignition
  4. 6.4Failure management and protections
  5. 6.5PPU efficiency and mass
  6. 6.6Thermal design of the electronics
  7. 6.7Radiation effects on the PPU
  8. 6.8Reliability and redundancy
  9. 6.9Power unit testing
  10. 6.10Case study: PPU specification for an HET
  1. 7.1Xenon as the reference propellant
  2. 7.2Krypton as a low-cost alternative
  3. 7.3Iodine and solid storage
  4. 7.4High-pressure tanks
  5. 7.5Mechanical and electronic pressure regulators
  6. 7.6Valves and flow controllers
  7. 7.7Measurement of remaining propellant
  8. 7.8Safety in handling and loading
  9. 7.9Costs and supply chain
  10. 7.10Lab: sizing a xenon feed system
  1. 8.1Mechanical, electrical and thermal interfaces
  2. 8.2Plume interaction with surfaces
  3. 8.3Contamination and erosion of panels
  4. 8.4Electromagnetic interactions with the platform
  5. 8.5Thruster pointing mechanisms
  6. 8.6Disturbance torques and attitude control
  7. 8.7Electrostatic charging of the spacecraft
  8. 8.8Electromagnetic compatibility of the subsystem
  9. 8.9Integration testing on the satellite
  10. 8.10Practical exercise: plume impact analysis on solar panels
  1. 9.1Orbit raising to GEO
  2. 9.2GEO station-keeping
  3. 9.3LEO constellations with electric propulsion
  4. 9.4Low-thrust interplanetary missions
  5. 9.5Orbital tugs with electric propulsion
  6. 9.6Deorbiting with electric propulsion
  7. 9.7Low-thrust trajectory optimisation
  8. 9.8In-flight thruster operations
  9. 9.9Lessons from commercial missions
  10. 9.10Case study: orbit-raising time to GEO with 10 kW
  1. 10.1Vacuum chambers and cryogenic pumping
  2. 10.2Background pressure effects
  3. 10.3Thrust balances
  4. 10.4Plume diagnostics
  5. 10.5Long-duration life tests
  6. 10.6European test facilities
  7. 10.7Electric propulsion test standards
  8. 10.8Data acquisition and analysis
  9. 10.9Correlation of tests with models
  10. 10.10Workshop: qualification test plan for a thruster
  1. 11.1Hybrid particle-fluid models
  2. 11.2Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation
  3. 11.3Fluid discharge models
  4. 11.4Wall erosion modelling
  5. 11.5Plume and backflow simulation
  6. 11.6Spacecraft-plasma interaction tools
  7. 11.7Validation with experimental data
  8. 11.8Simulation-aided design
  9. 11.9Machine learning in propulsion
  10. 11.10Practical exercise: simplified PIC simulation of a discharge
  1. 12.1Mission definition and requirements
  2. 12.2Delta-v and trajectory analysis
  3. 12.3Selection of propulsion technology
  4. 12.4Thruster sizing
  5. 12.5Feed and power design
  6. 12.6Integration into the platform
  7. 12.7Test plan
  8. 12.8Mission performance assessment
  9. 12.9Master's Thesis: written report
  10. 12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it fits around your job.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB, COMSOL Multiphysics, HPHall, SPIS and Python, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for vacuum chamber tests, plasma simulations and plume interaction analysis. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.

Standards covered: ECSS-E-ST-35C, ECSS-E-ST-35-01C, ECSS-E-ST-10-03C, ECSS-E-ST-20C, ISO 24113:2023, ECSS-Q-ST-70C, AIAA S-080.

Assigned technical tutor:every module ends with a deliverable that your tutor marks individually.
Standards-based learning:guided reading of ECSS-E-ST-35C, ECSS-E-ST-35-01C and ECSS-E-ST-10-03C applied to real cases, not as a theoretical annex.
Industry software:MATLAB, COMSOL Multiphysics, HPHall, SPIS and Python, in free, academic or evaluation versions.
Master's Thesis with defence:A complete electric propulsion system design for a space mission, from delta-v and technology selection to feed, power, integration and test plan, defended before a panel.
Flexible format:100% online, no fixed timetables, compatible with full-time work.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Mission and delta-v
Define the mission requirements and analyse the delta-v and trajectory.
Technology and sizing
Select the propulsion technology and size the thruster.
Feed and power
Design the propellant feed system and the power processing unit.
Integration and testing
Analyse integration into the platform and draft the test plan.
Master's Thesis
Present the integrated electric propulsion system and its mission performance, defended before a panel.
Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Electric space propulsion engineerPlasma physics engineerPower electronics engineerPropulsion systems engineerTest engineerMission analyst
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • A university degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
  • An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
  • English sufficient to read technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

Apply now Scholarships
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.

You work with MATLAB, COMSOL Multiphysics, HPHall, SPIS and Python, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.

A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.

A university degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a computer able to run the programme software, and English sufficient to read technical standards.

Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.

Keep exploring

Related programmes

See all in Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
Master's6,610 $

Master’s in More Electric Aircraft (MEA) Electrical Systems (Systems Electrification)

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in More Electric Aircraft electrical systems. 12 modules covering on-board generation, power distribution, aerospace power electronics, electromechanical actuation, bleedless ECS…

12–14 monthsOnlineAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
Master's9,970 $

Master’s in Aeronautical Communications and Datalink Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in aeronautical communications and datalink engineering, structured in 12 modules covering radio fundamentals, VHF datalinks, CPDLC and ATN, SATCOM, future…

1900 hOnlineAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
Master's9,970 $

Master’s in UAS Photogrammetry, LiDAR and GIS Engineering

Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in photogrammetry, LiDAR and GIS engineering with UAS, structured in 12 modules covering geodesy and reference systems, digital photogrammetry, UAS…

1900 hOnlineAerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
Master’s in Electric Space Propulsion EngineeringEnrol
Related programmes

More in Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space

Master’s in PLM & Digital Thread for Aerospace EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Satellite AIT EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Propulsion & Energy (Aero) EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Aeronautical Hybrid-Electric Propulsion EngineeringView programme →Master’s in Satellite Thermal Control EngineeringView programme →Master’s in C-UAS and Airspace Risk Management EngineeringView programme →

All Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships

Scroll to Top
SEIUM – Institute of Advanced Engineering
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.