NASA Tests Lithium-Fed Thruster for Mars Missions, Achieving Record Power Levels
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California has successfully tested a prototype lithium-fed magnetoplasmadynamic thruster, marking a significant advancement in propulsion technology for potential crewed missions to Mars. Conducted on February 24, 2026, this test achieved power levels exceeding any previous electric thruster tests in the United States, reaching up to 120 kilowatts. The thruster, which operates using lithium metal vapor, was tested in JPL's Electric Propulsion Lab, a facility designed for high-power electric thruster testing. This development is part of NASA's broader efforts to advance nuclear electric propulsion systems, which could significantly enhance the efficiency and capability of spacecraft for long-duration missions. 
