Electric propulsion systems provide specific impulse values at least an order of magnitude higher than the chemical systems, implying huge mass advantages at the platform level. This fact is of particular importance for spacecrafts intended for in-orbit servicing and transportation missions. High-power EP systems has an additional value for these spacecrafts in that their higher power translates into higher thrust values, allowing commercially viable durations of the missions.

Given the fact that Europe has a leading role in this sector thanks to the efforts made in the past years within the HiPER FP7 project, and more recently within the H2020 CHEOPS project, ASPIRE would like to anchor and further strengthen Europe forefront position.