NASA JPL tests lithium-fed thruster at record 120 kilowatts
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · May 10
NASA JPL tests lithium-fed thruster at record 120 kilowatts
9 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · May 10
The February test in Southern California fired the magnetoplasmadynamic engine through five ignition cycles inside JPL's vacuum chamber, with tungsten electrodes exceeding 5,000F.
Engineers say the prototype surpassed the power of electric thrusters now flying on NASA missions, while using efficient lithium plasma propulsion that could support heavier, faster deep-space travel.
JPL, Princeton University and NASA Glenn aim to scale each thruster to 500 kilowatts to 1 megawatt; a crewed Mars mission may need 2 to 4 megawatts over 23,000 hours.
Will this record-breaking thruster power NASA's 2028 nuclear mission to Mars, or is it a future technology?
Is this nuclear electric engine the best path to Mars, or are better alternatives being overlooked?
With this thruster breakthrough, is a permanent human base on Mars now achievable within the next decade?
NASA’s 120 kW Lithium MPD Thruster Test: A Milestone for Nuclear Electric Propulsion to Mars
Overview
On February 24, 2026, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory achieved a major milestone in space propulsion by successfully testing a prototype lithium-fed magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) drive. This test demonstrated a 120-kilowatt power achievement, producing a distinctive blue-glowing plasma jet and marking a tangible advancement beyond typical future spaceflight promises. The breakthrough promises to revolutionize deep space travel by providing sustained, efficient thrust over extended periods, which is essential for long-duration missions. This success highlights the potential of high-power electric propulsion to enable faster and more efficient journeys to distant destinations like Mars.