History of creation
of the Interbranch scientific and technical center
of space energy and engines

At the Kharkiv Aviation Institute (1959), under the leadership of Professor V. N. Ershov, large-scale research in two directions began in the laboratory of new technology: electric rocket engines of various types and on-board space power plants.

At that time, the rocket and space industry needed new solutions for mathematical and physical modeling of space power plants, in the research of turbomachines of various structures for space power plants. The results of these studies were highly appreciated by the leadership of the "Southern" Bureau of Dnipropetrovsk and leading organizations (NIITP, TSIAM, TsNIIMash).

The work carried out under the leadership of V. M. Yershov became the basis for the creation of a new department of power plants and engines of space aircraft, a new specialty that existed at that time only in three universities of the country Khai, Mai and MVTU.

В 80-90-е роки Двадцятого сторіччя Харківський авіаційний інститут розглядають як провідну організацію по створенню: електроракетних двигунів і їх елементів, високоефективних сонячних енергоустановок космічного і наземного призначення. Цілеспрямована, багаторічна наукова робота знаходить віддзеркалення в ідеї створити науково-технічний центр космічної енергетики і двигунів, в якому розв'язувалися б сучасні наукові проблеми, існуючі в цій галузі.

In 1995, with the aim of further development and improvement of the quality of research and development works, concentration of material and financial resources in the field of development, design and testing of units, units and systems of electric rocket propulsion systems and on-board solar energy systems of space aircraft Ministry of Education of Ukraine with the support of the National Space Agency of Ukraine decided:

1. To create the Interdisciplinary Scientific and Technical Center of Space Energy and Engines (IDSTC SEE) at the Kharkiv Aviation Institute on the basis of the scientific and technical center of space engineering and technology operating at the institute with the right to use the status of a legal person on the basis of a power of attorney received from the rector of the Kharkiv Institute of Aviation. 2. To assign the following functions to the IDSTC SEE:

- research and development of new schemes and technical solutions regarding on-board solar power supply systems (SPSS) and electric rocket propulsion units (ERPU) of spacecraft; - scientific and technical support of prospective developments of solar SEZ and ERRU for space vehicles, which are being developed at KB "Pivdenne" (Dnipropetrovsk), NPO "Khartron", Research Institute of Instrumentation Technology (Kharkov) and other enterprises of Ukraine;

- re-equipment and modernization of the existing complex experimental base of KAI for the benefit of the enterprises that develop space SHE and ERRU;

- coordination, in agreement with the National Academy of Sciences and KB "South" of comprehensive research on solar energy and electric rocket engines through expert evaluations (if necessary) of new technical solutions, holding meetings, regular scientific and technical seminars, scientific and technical conferences, issuing an interdisciplinary periodical collection of scientific works, etc.

- interaction with enterprises and institutes of Russia and other countries that develop ERRU, solar SEZ KA and their elements; - participation in the implementation of the Interstate space program.

3. To establish that the preparation of plans and reporting on scientific research and research and development works of the IDSTC SEE is carried out in accordance with the requirements established by the Ministry of Education of Ukraine and the National Space Agency of Ukraine.

On April 25, 1996, by the order of the rector No. 41 of the Kharkiv Aviation Institute, on the basis of the Regulation on the Interdisciplinary Scientific and Technical Center for Space Energy and Engines (IDSTC SEE) at the Kharkiv Aviation Institute, created and approved by the Ministry of Education of Ukraine with the support of the National Space Agency of Ukraine Provisions"), the rector of Khai was appointed the director of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Education of Ukraine, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Prof., member-correspondent. of the Technological Academy of Ukraine Belan Mykola Vasylyovych, Deputy Director, Doctor of Technical Sciences Prof. Bezruchko Kostyantyn Vasyliovych.

According to the Regulation, the IDSTC SEE conducts fundamental and applied scientific research, design and research work, and implementation work aimed at creating qualitatively new rocket engines, power systems and technologies for their production for rocket and space technology, as well as work in other areas of national economy

The directions of activity of the IDSTC SEE were defined, the main of which are:

1. System theoretical and experimental studies of space on-board power plants based on mathematical and physical modeling.

2. Development and research of a number of autonomous power plants for space and ground use.

3. Research and improvement of work processes in electric rocket and other low-thrust engines, in their main nodes and elements, as well as development and creation on this basis of propulsion systems of various types and purposes.

4. Development and research of promising thermogas-jet propulsion systems for space vehicles (KLA).

5. Preparation of the scientific and methodological base and methods of testing, application and operation of ERRU and on-board solar SEZ KLA.

6. Development of the active complex automated experimental base of the Institute for research and testing of solar power plants, electric rocket engines and their individual elements.

7. Patent and information research, patenting of new technical solutions, marketing and advertising and information activities.

8. Foreign economic activity in accordance with current legislation, including interaction with enterprises and organizations of Russia (and other CIS countries), which develop ERDU, solar SEZ KLA and their elements.

9. Introduction into production and scientific support of completed scientific and research developments, expansion of the use of modern technologies, development of competitive products.

10. Scientific and expert assistance to enterprises and organizations in the field of scientific and technical activity, examination of scientific and technical projects, developments, ideas on behalf of NKAU.

11. Production of samples of elements and systems of rocket and space technology and equipment under development.

12. Implementation of the connection of scientific research and research and development works with the educational process of Khai Khai:

- participation of full-time employees of IDSTC SEE  in lecturing, conducting practical, laboratory and other types of classes;

- provision of laboratories, stands and equipment to students, graduate students for conducting scientific research, coursework, diploma theses and projects, as well as conducting production practices on contractual terms;

- participation in the training of highly qualified personnel.

13. Organization and holding of scientific and technical conferences, seminars, publication of scientific works and collections in agreement with the Ministry of Education and the National Academy of Sciences.

At present, all divisions and laboratories of the Interbranch Scientific and Technical Center of Space Energy and Engines (IDSTC SEE KHAI) at the National Aerospace University "KHAI", participate in various space projects within the framework of national (state) space programs of Ukraine, under international programs, under direct agreements (contracts) with foreign partners.

In 2000, the National Aerospace University "KHAI" received a certificate for performing space activities, which in 2002 was renamed into a license for conducting space activities, issued by the National Space Agency of Ukraine.

Since 2005, KAI divisions have been engaged in the development, testing, and manufacturing of spacecraft components, ground-based space infrastructure and its components, equipment that is part of the space segment of satellite systems.

In 2010, the National Space Agency of Ukraine extended the License for KHAI for the right to develop, test, and manufacture components of space vehicles and launch vehicles and issued it with no validity period.