#propulsion

All articles tagged with "propulsion"

NASA’s high-power lithium-plasma thruster points to a different path for deep-space travel

A new high-power magnetoplasmadynamic thruster under development at NASA JPL could expand the role of electric propulsion by delivering far more power than current systems while preserving major fuel-efficiency gains.

Key Takeaways

NASA JPL is working on a magnetoplasmadynamic thruster that operates at up to 120 kW.
The source says electric thrusters use about 90% less fuel than chemical rockets.

DT Editorial Team·May 23, 2026·via jalopnik.com

Turkey’s New High-Thrust Engine Claim Signals a Bigger Aerospace Ambition

A newly surfaced report points to Turkey unveiling an aircraft engine rated at 42,000 pounds of thrust, underscoring the country’s continuing push to deepen indigenous aerospace capability.

Key Takeaways

A report says Turkey unveiled an aircraft engine rated at 42,000 pounds of thrust.
The announcement was framed as delivering power close to the F-35 class.

DT Editorial Team·May 8, 2026·via interestingengineering.com

Astrobotic puts rotating-detonation rocket engine through extended tests

Astrobotic says its Chakram rotating-detonation engine completed a successful NASA-backed test series, including a 300-second burn that the company says is the longest for the engine class.

Key Takeaways

Astrobotic tested two Chakram engine prototypes for a combined 470 seconds.
The company says a 300-second burn was the longest yet for an RDRE.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 25, 2026·via spacenews.com

Fraunhofer IISB's Lightweight Motor Claim Puts Electric Aviation's Core Challenge in Focus

A reported 1,000-horsepower electric aircraft motor weighing just 207 pounds would represent an attention-grabbing power-to-weight milestone for aviation electrification.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 12, 2026·via interestingengineering.com