CAPSTONE project

The Research and Development project, funded by European funds from the Emilia-Romagna Region, enables Alma Automotive to leverage the expertise and knowledge acquired in the development of high-voltage DC/DC conversion systems for motorsport, to introduce in aerospace sector an original technological solution.

The project "CAPSTONE – Study and Validation of Enabling Technologies for the Development of Innovative High-Voltage DC/DC Conversion Devices to Enable the Adoption of Electric Propulsion in CoSTellations of Mini and Micro Satellites" aims to develop components for the use of small satellite constellations equipped with electric propulsion, operating in LEO and VLEO orbits.

With this project, Alma Automotive aims to develop high-voltage DC/DC conversion technology to improve the energy efficiency of the propulsion system and enable the widespread adoption of electric propulsion systems in mini and micro satellites.

Building on technologies already applied in motorsport, the CAPSTONE project aims to develop and validate the following solutions in a relevant environment (simulating the space environment in a vacuum chamber) to make the satellite services sector more sustainable and competitive:

• A DC/DC conversion platform from 12 to 800 volts, capable of operating with power outputs ranging from 50 to 500 watts, modular and scalable depending on the application.
• An isolation planar transformer, combined with innovative switching technologies, to achieve an efficiency of 95%, while minimizing the weight and size of the component.

The CAPSTONE project will contribute to accelerating the transition towards more accessible, economical, and sustainable space exploration.

The Research & Development project includes total investments of € 330,758.40, funded by a contribution of € 167,955.95.