Workshop "Plasma Diagnostics for Electric Propulsion Systems"
From August 18 to August 20, 2025, the workshop “Plasma Diagnostics for Electric Propulsion Systems” took place at Justus Liebig University Giessen, supported by the GGN. The event aimed to strengthen collaboration between research and industry, promote the standardization of diagnostic methods, and foster interdisciplinary exchange in the field of electric space propulsion.
The workshop was organized by Rodrigo Sandoval Rodriguez, Hanna Brügmann, and Kalle Julius Bräumer. A total of 24 representatives from universities, research institutes, and companies participated, including ESA ESTEC, ONERA, UC3M, IOM, CAU Kiel, University of Southampton, IFPLIM, IPPL London, ArianeGroup, and Kreios Space.
The three-day program included four technical sessions, two invited lectures, and a laboratory tour at the Institute of Experimental Physics I. The scientific contributions covered topics such as probe and optical diagnostics, ion-beam-based measurement techniques, standardization of reference systems, and the development of new diagnostic instruments for electric propulsion.
Special contributions came from the invited lectures by Prof. Holger Kersten and Dr. Thomas Trottenberg (both from CAU Kiel), who provided an overview of current developments in plasma diagnostics and their application in electric propulsion systems.
In addition to the technical presentations, shared activities such as a reception, coffee breaks, and a joint dinner offered opportunities for informal exchange and networking. The workshop was rated as successful by all participants and significantly contributed to networking and discussion of standardized diagnostic procedures in electric space propulsion research.
