Mission
Enable our customers to optimize the missions of their satellites in orbit
ION-X was born from the collaboration between Technofounders and scientist Jacques Giérak, global specialist in ion sources for nanoelectronics, with +30 patents filed and +35 years of research carried out at the CNRS.
Based on patented electrospray technology, the ION-X ionic liquid thruster is a real breakthrough for the propulsion of small satellites.
Initially developed in the 1980s for nanoelectronics applications, focused ion beam technology provides particularly competitive performance, including twice the state-of-the-art thrust and 30% lower fuel consumption.
In June 2022, ION-X secures funding of 3.8 million euros to support its R&D development, strengthen its team, and plan a demonstration mission in orbit by the end of 2024.
Ambition
Be recognized as a major player in the space industry
The ION-X thruster currently under development intends to respond to the main current challenges of the space sector, including environmental ones: long lifespan, high modularity and competitive forecast production costs compatible with mass production.
The Team
ION-X Management team
Après un double Master en Aerospace Engineering à Supaero puis au Georgia Institute of Technology, Thomas commence sa carrière en 2010 au DLR à Munich en tant que Flight Controller pour la Station Spatiale Internationale. Il travaille ensuite chez Arianespace pendant 4 ans en tant que Manager Technique pour les étages supérieurs des lanceurs Ariane5 et Vega. En 2017, Thomas bifurque vers le monde du conseil après un MBA à l’INSEAD. Il passera 5 ans au Boston Consulting Group puis rejoint ION-X en mai 2022 en tant que Directeur Général.
Thomas Hiriart
They talk about it
Testimonials
Sovereignty
Strengthening our sovereignty and resilience
Deploy deeptech innovations in the service of French and European sovereignty.
