Water – a new fuel for space engines

Using the most common liquid on our planet as fuel for spacecraft is an ambitious task. European scientists have taken on this task as part of the Water-based Electric Thrusters project.


The idea, supervised by the University of Bologna, has the potential to become a revolutionary step in the field of production of power plants for space satellites and ships. At the moment, scientists are studying the processes of formation and behavior of plasma obtained from water.

The developments are to be used as a basis for creating an engine that will be able to function autonomously in deep space. The WET representative office shared the first details of the unique project.


As is known, most rocket engines use a fuel pair of kerosene and oxygen. When burned, it releases toxic substances. The proposed technology works on water, after which no hazardous compounds remain. The liquid is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electrolysis.

As the temperature increases further, ionization occurs and the substance passes into a plasma state. The resulting product will serve as the basis for creating the thrust that will set the spacecraft in motion.

An important advantage of this technology is the relative availability of water in space compared to, say, kerosene. Ice deposits have already been discovered on the Moon, Mars, and some asteroids.

Further refinement of the methodology in the future opens up the prospect of "refueling" devices directly in space, eliminating the need to deliver fuel from Earth. This approach will significantly reduce the cost and increase the duration of missions in the Solar System.

The presented engine design will operate in the range of 500 to 1000 watts. Obviously, this is not enough for large spacecraft yet, but it is quite enough for compact satellites. Scientists continue to develop the technology in order to eventually get more power.


WET is funded by the Horizon Europe MSCA programme, which involves the exchange of knowledge, expertise and staff between nine research sites.

The list of participants includes the following major scientific centers:

✅ Australian National University
✅ French Center for Scientific Research
✅ University of Stuttgart

The project is aimed not only at creating a new paradigm in space exploration, but will also play an important role in developing the scientific careers of young scientists and engineers. Grants and cash awards for achievements are provided for young specialists.