E-Sailors
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Powering the Future of Space Propulsion
The E-Sailors Doctoral Network
The Electric Solar Wind Sail Doctors (E-Sailors) project is a challenge-driven European Doctoral Network dedicated to advancing a groundbreaking space propulsion technology: the Electric Solar Wind Sail (E-sail).
Uniting 8 leading European universities, 4 innovative SMEs including the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), home of the original E-sail concept, the network trains 15 doctoral researchers at the forefront of space propulsion and exploration.
A New Way to Travel the Solar System
The E-sail is a revolutionary propulsion system that eliminates the need for conventional fuel. It deploys kilometers-long, ultra-thin metallic tethers charged to a high voltage. These tethers interact with the solar wind comprising of a constant stream of charged particles from the Sun, to generate continuous thrust.
This technology opens the door to efficient, low-mass exploration of the Solar System and beyond and supports Europe’s leadership in deep-space exploration and the commercial space sector.
- ✔ No onboard propellant
- ✔ Long-duration missions
- ✔ Sustainable deep-space travel
15 PhD Projects, One Propelled Vision
The E-Sailors network delivers 15 tightly coordinated PhD research projects, covering:
- Mission design and in-space demonstrations of E-sails in the solar wind
- Exploration of Planetary bodies, Small Bodies and potential interstellar targets
- Advanced propulsion technologies and E-sail component development
- Nanospacecraft platforms with control, navigation, communication, and operations systems
- Open-source software tools for E-sail modelling and mission design, fostering global collaboration
Training the Next Generation of Space Leaders
E-Sailors delivers comprehensive, future-focused training, equipping doctoral candidates with both technical excellence and transferable skills:
- Open Science and responsible research practices
- Science communication and public engagement
- Intellectual property and innovation management
- Entrepreneurship and business development
Shaping Sustainable Space Exploration
By combining pioneering research with high-level interdisciplinary training, E-Sailors is creating a new generation of experts ready to drive sustainable, innovative, and commercially viable space exploration, propelled by the solar wind itself.
