NASA fires up powerful lithium-fed thruster for trips to Mars
NASA has successfully tested a lithium-fed thruster designed for future missions to Mars and beyond. This prototype achieved unprecedented power levels, exceeding those of any current electric thrusters used by NASA. The results from this test will inform further developments in electric propulsion technology.
- ▪The lithium-fed thruster reached power levels of up to 120 kilowatts during testing.
- ▪This marks the first time an electric propulsion system has operated at such high power levels in the United States.
- ▪The thruster uses high currents and magnetic fields to accelerate lithium plasma, differing from traditional thrusters.
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April 28, 2026 NASA fires up powerful lithium-fed thruster for trips to Mars by Melissa Pamer, NASA edited by Stephanie Baum, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Stephanie Baum Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Andrew Zinin Lead Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source The prototype thruster is enclosed in JPL’s condensable metal propellant (CoMeT) vacuum facility, a unique national asset designed to safely test thrusters using metal-vapor propellants as part of potential…
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