The DIAST Project ‘Development of a Diagnostic System for Space and Earth Applications‘ was set up in the Region of Tuscany and is the result of the commitment and union of numerous local organisations and companies, which are benchmarks in the space sector and for industry and research.
Underlying the project is the desire to transform traditional forms of propulsion. In fact, from traditional chemical propulsion, electric solutions were sought to ensure not only greater efficiency and flexibility, but also to release more power, from 1.3 kW to 5 kW.
In order to be able to realise such engines, however, it was necessary to create a test bench suitable for supporting these new technologies. This state-of-the-art diagnostic system, unique in Europe, revolutionised and deepened the analysis of high-power thrusters. This test system is essential for manufacturers of satellite platforms and other space components, and these new technologies may also have other uses in the future, such as in the environmental field.
The DIAST Project was activated in 2016 and finished in 2018, half of which was financed by the Cohesion and Development Fund, belonging to the 2014-2020 Cohesion and Action Plan (CAP), while the remaining half came from the Region of Tuscany.
Find out more about the DIAST project by listening to the ‘EU with YOU’ podcast: https://podcast.areanews24.it/podcast/areanews-eufactor.htm
‘EU with YOU’ is the Eu Factor Next podcast realised by Raduni, the Association of Italian University Radio Operators, to tell citizens at first hand how European funding is spent. In each episode the podcast will tell the story of a project funded by the European Union and its Cohesion Policy on the national territory.