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The Electric Solar Wind Sail Doctors (E-Sailors) project is a challenge-driven Doctoral Network aimed at advancing a novel space propulsion technology known as the Electric Solar Wind Sail (E-sail). This network brings together eight European universities, the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI)—where the E-sail concept was originally developed—and four small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to train 15 doctoral candidates in key areas of space science and technology.

The E-sail represents a significant innovation in spacecraft propulsion. Rather than relying on traditional fuel-based systems, it uses long, hair-thin metallic tethers, which can extend for several kilometres and are charged to a high voltage. These tethers create an electric field that interacts with the solar wind—a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun—producing a continuous propulsive force. This method enables efficient, long-duration travel through interplanetary space without the need for onboard propellant.

The primary goal of the E-Sailors project is to support the transition of the E-sail concept from preliminary low Earth orbit demonstrations to functional deployment in the solar wind environment. In doing so, the project will contribute to securing Europe’s leadership in deep space exploration and the emerging commercial space economy.

To achieve this, the network will implement 15 coordinated PhD research projects, focusing on:

1. Designing missions and experimental frameworks for demonstrating the E-sail in the solar wind, as well as exploring its use for missions to small Solar System bodies and potentially interstellar objects.
2. Developing advanced propulsion technologies and E-sail system components.
3. Creating nanospacecraft platforms (approximately 15 kg) with appropriate subsystems for control, navigation, communication, and operations.
4. Establishing an open-source community for E-sail modelling and mission design software, to promote collaboration and innovation across the field.

In parallel, the E-Sailors project is committed to providing comprehensive training to its doctoral candidates. This includes not only specialised scientific and technical skills, but also transferable competencies such as Open Science practices, public communication of research, intellectual property rights, entrepreneurship, and business development.

By combining cutting-edge research with high-level training, E-Sailors aims to develop a new generation of experts equipped to drive forward the future of sustainable and innovative space exploration.