We are "The Plasma Rocket Company" and we develop the Helios plasma thruster. Our goal is to realize high thrust levels with an electric propulsion system. Our approach is to ionize a gas under higher pressure conditions to generate the basis for the extraction of large fuel amounts per time.

Helios as propulsion system delivers more acceleration and agility for spacecrafts, providing the propulsion basis for ESA's space transportation eco-system.

Helios offers lower risk for payload through critical space and serves as a powerful continuous propulsion solution for interplanetary exploration, potentially enabling reduced travel times for manned missions.

Already when I was starting my PhD studies at the University of Gießen on the field of radio-frequency ion propulsion I felt a mixture of happiness and disappointment. I was happy since at the moment, when I stepped into the work group of my doctoral advisor Prof. Horst Loeb, who was inventing the RIT in Gießen in the 60s of the last century, I was finally there… space traveling was always a little boy's dream to me.

When I was very young, I developed plans about propulsion systems that can bring humans to other planets. Though in these days the plans were not consequently physical realistic.

So I studied physics in order to set the fundament. But after my diploma I was still not closer to being part of space exploration. So I contacted the DLR and Hans Meusemann, the German EP coordinator of those days, who made contact with the ion propulsion group of Prof. Horst Loeb at the University of Gießen… It was a long journey. But finally I was there, within the centre and forefront of the development of future propulsion.

But short after this euphoria a taste of disappointment hits me. We did not develop the powerful propulsion systems that could bring the huge ships of my childhood imagination inclusive their crews to the planets and beyond. In reality, we were working on propulsion systems for trajectory and attitude control for rather small satellites and scientific probes.

But this is of course not really fair! A RIT like all the other types of EP are truly high efficient propulsion opportunities for their dedicated applications. But however not for the big manned exploration ships in my (still very childish) mind.

And this was the hour of birth of Helios. Not as a concrete technological concept in these times, but as a blurry idea that I have to find a way to add high thrust to the high specific impulse of an electric propulsion.

The DLR Tec Days 2025 in Bonn was an unforgettable experience for so many reasons. First and foremost, the venue itself was extraordinary: the former Bundestag in Bonn. Speaking from a place steeped in history, where countless pivotal moments unfolded, felt truly remarkable.

Then there’s the inspiring network of German space innovators. From agencies and institutions to major industry leaders and dynamic start-ups, this vibrant community spans the spectrum of expertise. Being part of this family is not just exciting—it’s deeply rewarding.

Finally, the event’s organization was nothing short of exceptional. The diverse lineup of presentations, ranging from detailed technical programs to insightful overviews of colleagues’ work, was consistently engaging and informative. Every session offered something valuable.

A heartfelt thank you for the opportunity topresent in such a historic setting—a moment I’ll always cherish. And thank you for welcoming us into this incredible space community.

This was a proud moment at the Hessen in Space conference in Frankfurt, we had the opportunity to present our thruster prototype the first time on a public stage. It was just a good feeling to have a booth standing side by side with established players in space propulsion like the Justus Liebig University Gießen.

And our prototype was showing its best side to the audience! The plasma of Helios was brightly shining in shades from purple to orange and red…depending on the Argon pressure inside. But not only the advertising light show was attracting visitors…

We had a lot of exchange and discussions with interested visitors and other exhibitors. And we are really looking forward to the 4th Hessen in Space next year.

A second time after 2022 and meanwhile as founded company, we attended the Innospace Masters competition. This time within the ESA BIC challenge. Meanwhile the procedure was known but not less exciting. At the end we were again on the stage in Berlin; as first place of the challenge.

In 2022, The Plasma Rocket Company achieved a significant milestone at the prestigious InnoSpace Masters competition. Our team showcased groundbreaking plasma thruster technology that combines innovative design with exceptional performance characteristics.

The highlight of our participation was receiving the Innovation Excellence Award 2022, recognizing our contributions to advancing space propulsion technology. Our live demonstrations of the plasma ignition sequence captured the attention of industry experts and fellow innovators alike.

During the event, we engaged in valuable technical discussions with leading aerospace professionals, gathering insights and feedback that have helped shape our continued development. This recognition has further validated our approach and strengthened our position as pioneers in plasma-based space propulsion systems.

Gießen is a city with a strong relation to space traveling technology because of the two universities THM and JLU and the provided study path "Physics and Technology of Spacetravel applications". Regarding electric space propulsion, Gießen features an impressive heritage; through the invention of the Radio-Frequency Ion-Thruster (RIT) by Professor Horst Loeb in the sixties of the last century, Gießen became one of the international centres of electric propulsion research.

This generates the following unique chance: Gießen can become the home of a second type of electric propulsion besides RIT with locating the development and production of Helios there, which upgrades Gießen as international centre of propulsion research. Beyond this historical background and the general space travel relation, another pragmatic reason for Gießen as Helios' hometown is the experimental infrastructure of the universities THM and JLU and the excellent educated pool of alumni from this academic sector.