NASA Advanced Mid-Power Electric Rocket Challenge
Given the need for this capability, NASA is launching the Advanced Mid-Power Electric Rocket (AMPERE) Challenge.
- commercial companies to develop and demonstrate mid-power Hall effect thruster prototypes.
- Up to two winning teams can each receive up to $250,000 in cash prizes, plus access to NASA testing and technology, across three phases.
- The challenge is open to companies incorporated in and maintaining a primary place of business in the United States.
Through this challenge, NASA aims to accelerate the maturation of electric propulsion capabilities, validate real-world performance in NASA test facilities, and build the foundation needed to support future NASA and commercial missions.
Credit: NASA Mid-power (3-7 kW) Hall effect thruster systems have been identified by government and industry stakeholders as critical capabilities for satellite, defense, and exploration missions.
- 1 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) This Hall-effect thruster, shown being tested at Glenn Research Center, turns electricity and inert gas into force that could propel a spacecraft.
- Registration Open Date: November 9, 2026 Registration Close Date: January 27, 2027 For more information including registration, rules, and eligibility, visit: https://ampere.nasatechmaturation.org/.
- Orbion Space Technology was founded to bring the high efficiency of these thrusters to small commercial satellites, and the company sought the center’s help to make that a reality.
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