FOTEC Forschungs- und Technologietransfer GmbH

FOTEC is the research subsidiary of the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, Austria. FOTEC initiates and implements R&D projects with intent to support the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt in the realization of its R&D strategy for the bachelor and master study programs. Funded R&D projects are mainly supported by the national funding agency FFG, the European Space Agency ESA and the European Commission.

• FEEP-based propulsion systems in the range from 50 nN up to 5 mN
• Development of Liquid Metal Ion Sources (LMIS) for charge balancing
• Development of space-grade electronics for propulsion systems
• Development of green propulsion systems (mono- and bipropellant)
• Strong expertise in metal and polymer additive layer manufacturing technologies (ALM)

• First FEEP thruster successfully demonstrated in orbit in 2018
• ASPOC charge balance devices (e.g. for the NASA MMS mission)
• Power processing units for various electric propulsion systems

• High-accuracy test stands for direct thrust measurements from 100 nN to 1 N
• Development and operation of plasma diagnostics systems for low current densities (integrated digital Faraday cups, Retarding Potential Analyzers, etc.)
• Provision of test services (vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, direct thrust measurements, plume diagnostics) to customers