Arc
Arc
The Arc team was established as the first electric propulsion team within DARE. Our mission is to design and develop a breech-fed, rectangular Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT), specially built for CubeSat missions.
A PPT generates thrust by discharging stored electrical energy between two electrodes, producing an electromagnetic field that accelerates plasma through the Lorentz force. Plasma is formed when an igniter initiates an arc discharge, which ablates and ionizes a fuel, typically polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Current Work
The Arc team is currently focused on the development of our first prototype, MK-1-ARC-PPT. In order to reach this goal, the team is organized into five specialized sub-teams: Modelling, Structures, Electronics, Spark Plug, and Testing. After an initial phase of research and design, we are now advancing the key components to the final stages of development, preparing them for manufacturing and testing.
ARC EP 2024/25 Team
Tin Talan
Team Lead & Structures
Jos Weidema
Electronics
Maria Żelewska
modeling
Francesco Bragagnolo
Testing
Modeling
The Modeling Team focuses on simulating the behavior of the pulsed plasma thruster using simplified Magneto-Aerodynamic models implemented in python. We support the design process by identifying the most efficient thruster dimensions and operational parameters
Structures
The focus of the structures team is to ensure that the system operates within the harsh vacuum of space as well to survive the expected launch loads. The main design constraint for the system is to fit within one CubeSat unit(1U). Check out the render below which helps visualize our integrated system! As you may have noticed, one of the most important structural parts of the thruster is the casing. The casing is designed to connect all of the subsystems together all while minimizing the weight and maximizing thermal performance. Given that the system will first undergo atmospheric testing the casing will be 3D printed, an unconventional manufacturing approach. This will, however, have to be researched further as 3D printed components tend to act weirdly in the vacuum of space. The tinny air pockets within the structure might cause microcracks which might lead to structural failure or unwanted arcing points.
Electronics
The Electronics sub-team is at the core of enabling the ARC Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT) to fire. Their focus is the design of a custom high-voltage PCB that transforms a modest 5V input into a powerful 2000V output—enough to ignite plasma. Using an off-the-shelf XP Power converter, they’ve engineered a system that charges capacitor banks with precision and safety. The board includes a timer circuit that delivers controlled ignition pulses, and a carefully tuned igniter stage that channels energy directly to the thruster.
Through clever design and rigorous testing, this sub-team brings sparks—literally and figuratively—to the ARC project.
Spark Plug
The Spark Plug sub-team is dedicated to understanding one of the smallest yet most vital components of the ARC Pulsed Plasma Thruster: the spark plug. This tiny iridium-based plug plays a crucial role in generating the initial spark that creates plasma, making it fundamental to the thruster’s operation.
Their work centers on in-depth research into the current ignition system, focusing not only on how the off-the-shelf iridium spark plug performs but also on how it can be adapted for long-term use in space-like conditions. From high-voltage behavior to thermal endurance and vacuum compatibility, the team investigates every factor that could affect performance beyond Earth.
By pushing the boundaries of what such a small component can withstand, the Spark Plug sub-team ensures reliable ignition.
Testing
The Testing sub-team works hand-in-hand with the rest of the project to plan, design, and execute tests for each system component. From validating high-voltage circuits to assessing mechanical reliability, they ensure every test is thorough and controlled.
Safety is at the core of their work—they develop clear procedures to protect the team and equipment, even under extreme testing conditions. Their structured approach not only keeps everyone safe but also allows the team to quickly iterate and improve designs based on real-world data.
Without Testing, innovation would slow—and risk would rise. They keep us moving fast and working smart.
Future plans
We have many exciting plans ahead. Once assembled, the Mk-I-ARC-PPT will undergo a thorough performance evaluation, including assessments of specific impulse, current behavior, electrode wear, and thermal response. The system will first be tested under atmospheric conditions, after which it will be further refined to maximize the chances of success during the vacuum test scheduled for the next academic year.
Interested to contribute?
Feel free to send any questions about the project and/or future recruitment to arc@dare.tudelft.nl. We hope to hear from you! 🙂
