The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California achieved this milestone on February 24, surpassing all previous US electric propulsion test power levels.
The prototype, developed with Princeton University and NASA Glenn, reached over 5,000°F and will inform further high-power tests for Mars missions.
Lithium-fed MPD thrusters could enable efficient, high-thrust propulsion for future crewed Mars missions, especially when paired with nuclear power sources, and are a focus of NASA’s Space Nuclear Propulsion project.
How does NASA's nuclear thruster compare to rival projects from other space powers?
Can this powerful new thruster actually survive the thousands of hours needed for a Mars journey?
Why is lithium the key propellant unlocking this new era of powerful space travel?
What is the biggest hurdle in developing the space-based nuclear power plant for this thruster?
How will NASA's new nuclear rockets be made safe for launch and operation in space?
With this breakthrough, what is the new, realistic timeline for a crewed mission to Mars?