NASA Advanced Mid-Power Electric Rocket Challenge
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. Given the need for this capability, NASA is launching the Advanced Mid-Power Electric Rocket (AMPERE) Challenge. The NASA AMPERE Challenge invites U.S. commercial companies to develop and demonstrate mid-power Hall…
NASA is launching the Advanced Mid-Power Electric Rocket (AMPERE) Challenge to encourage the development of mid-power Hall effect thruster prototypes. The challenge aims to advance electric propulsion capabilities, validate performance in NASA test facilities, and lay groundwork for future missions. Orbion Space Technology, founded to bring high efficiency thrusters to small commercial satellites, approached Glenn Research Center for assistance in realizing this goal.
The challenge is open to U.S. commercial companies with a primary place of business in the United States and offers a total prize pool of $500,000. Up to two winning teams can each receive up to $250,000 in cash prizes, along with access to NASA testing and technology. Registration for the AMPERE Challenge opened on November 9, 2026, and will close on January 27, 2027.
Further information, registration details, rules, and eligibility can be found at https://ampere.nasatechmaturation.org/.
Written by urgent.news from NASA Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
