NASA takes step toward ion engines powered by fission reactors
May 7, 2026, 12:45PMNuclear News
The Condensable Metal propellant (Comet) vacuum facility at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where the new lithium-fed ion engine was tested. (Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
A new prototype ion engine known as a lithium-fed magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster has passed a crucial test at NASA. The space agency is hoping to eventually combine this technology with nuclear fission to produce power and thrust for lengthy space flights, such as a crewed mission to Mars.