First-of-its-kind NASA lithium MPD thruster hits 120 kW in ground test

NASA tested a lithium magnetoplasmadynamic thruster in a JPL vacuum chamber and pushed it to 120 kW across five firings.

The result marks the highest power yet in a U.S. electric propulsion ground test.

The work supports development of megawatt-class nuclear electric propulsion for faster Mars missions.

The concept could reduce propellant needs, but it still must scale up and endure long-duration operation.