H2Sat (DLR)

EPDP instrument in orbit - Heinrich-Hertz satellite successfully launched

On July 5th, 2023, at 7:00 pm Kourou time, the last Ariane 5 flight delivered the Heinrich-Hertz satellite into orbit. On board: an Electric Propulsion Diagnostic Package (EPDP) designed by a joint collaboration of von Hoerner & Sulger GmbH, OHB System AG, and the Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (CAU). First tests in space show full functionality of the EPDP electronics and sensors, allowing to study the effects of the electric propulsion systems on the spacecraft in great detail.

Gefördert wird die Heinrich-Hertz-Mission durch die Deutsche Raumfahrtagentur im DLR mit Mitteln des Bundesministeriums für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK) und unter Beteiligung des Bundesministeriums der Verteidigung (BMVg).

EPDP instrument with the electronics box (left) and the plasma and erosion sensor (right, bottom).
EPDP instrument with the electronics box (left) and the plasma and erosion sensor (right, bottom).
In this photo, the ion beam of the engine is simulated to check the plasma sensor functionality. Image by Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
In this photo, the ion beam of the engine is simulated to check the plasma sensor functionality. Image by Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
The plasma sensor is shown here during the test phase in a vacuum chamber. Image by Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
The plasma sensor is shown here during the test phase in a vacuum chamber. Image by Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel