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…
Preparations for Moonwalk Simulations are underway, both in the air and underwater. Hall-effect thrusters, which convert electricity and inert gas into propulsion force, are showcased at NASA's Glenn Research Center. Orbion Space Technology aims to bring these efficient thrusters to small commercial satellites and is seeking the center's assistance.
Mid-power (3-7 kW) Hall effect thruster systems have been deemed critical by government and industry stakeholders for satellite, defense, and exploration missions. In response, NASA is launching the Advanced Mid-Power Electric Rocket (AMPERE) Challenge. This challenge calls on U.S. commercial companies to develop and demonstrate mid-power Hall effect thruster prototypes.
The goal is to expedite electric propulsion capabilities' maturation, validate real-world performance in NASA testing, and establish a foundation for future missions. The AMPERE Challenge is open to U.S.-based companies, with a total prize pool of $500,000. Up to two winners can each receive $250,000 in cash, plus access to NASA testing and technology, spread across three phases.
Registration opened on November 9, 2026, and will close on January 27, 2027. Further details, including registration, rules, and eligibility, can be found at https://ampere.nasatechmaturation.org/.
Written by urgent.news from NASA's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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