NASA conducts US 1st 120 kW MPD test at JPL
NewsBytes | May 5, 2026 10:39 PM CST
Lithium MPD thruster cuts fuel 90%
The MPD thruster uses electricity and magnetic fields to launch lithium ions, which means it can deliver strong thrust while using 90% less fuel than regular rockets.
NASA hopes to boost this engine's power even more (up to 4 megawatts) and pair it with a new nuclear reactor system called Space Reactor-1 Freedom, launching as soon as 2028.
Together, these tech upgrades could finally make crewed trips to Mars possible, open up a whole new chapter in space exploration.
READ NEXT
-
IndiGo Flight Experiences Power Bank Explosion During Taxiing in Chandigarh
-
Cabinet Approves Major Rail Multi-Tracking Projects to Enhance Connectivity
-
Historic Victory in West Bengal Elections 2026: A New Era Begins
-
Ambati Rayudu Takes Charge as Head of Cricket Operations in Hyderabad
-
Understanding Kalbaisakhi: The Weather Phenomenon Impacting India and Bangladesh
