# 247. NASA’s Electric Thruster That Could Take Us to Mars

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2026-06-16
- Length: 18m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-06-16-247-nasas-electric-thruster-that-could-take-us-to-mars
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/247-nasas-electric-thruster-that-could-take-us-to-mars-agTZS8ap

## Summary

The hosts discuss NASA’s recent breakthrough in Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) electric propulsion, developed by NASA JPL, NASA Glenn, and Princeton University, which uses vaporized lithium to generate high thrust. They explain how this technology, operating at 120 kilowatts with a goal of 500 kilowatts to 1 megawatt, offers a 'happy medium' between fuel-heavy chemical rockets and low-thrust ion drives, potentially enabling faster human missions to Mars. The episode also covers a sponsor segment on hydrogen fuel cells for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones, contrasting their energy density with battery limitations.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-06-16-247-nasas-electric-thruster-that-could-take-us-to-mars#t=0) Introduction: SpaceX IPO and NASA Propulsion Breakthrough
- [0:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-06-16-247-nasas-electric-thruster-that-could-take-us-to-mars#t=37) Sponsor Segment: Hydrogen Fuel Cells for VTOL Drones
- [4:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-06-16-247-nasas-electric-thruster-that-could-take-us-to-mars#t=287) Propulsion Physics: Chemical vs. Electric vs. MPD Thrusters
- [8:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-06-16-247-nasas-electric-thruster-that-could-take-us-to-mars#t=501) NASA’s MPD Thruster: Lithium Vapor and Power Scaling
- [13:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-06-16-247-nasas-electric-thruster-that-could-take-us-to-mars#t=817) Feasibility of Human Mars Missions and Future Roadmap

## Topics

- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- SpaceX (company)
- NASA (company)
- NASA JPL (company)
- NASA Glenn (company)
- Princeton University (company)
- Psyche 16 (product)
- Saturn 5 (product)
- Raptor engines (product)
- Blue Origin (company)
- Project Hail Mary (other)

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- [Can We Electrify Aviation? Electric vs Fuel Planes #24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2024-10-04-can-we-electrify-aviation-electric-vs-fuel-planes-24) (Hard Tech Podcast)
- [Ep 249: Data by Laser and Parachute, Bluetooth Hacks, Google's Gotta Google](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-12-22-ep-249-data-by-laser-and-parachute-bluetooth-hacks-googles-gotta-google) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [The All-Electric Trend Needs To Stop. There Are Other Power Options | Hard Tech #9](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-07-02-the-all-electric-trend-needs-to-stop-there-are-other-power-options-hard-tech-9) (Hard Tech Podcast)
- [AM Rocket Engines and Space Nuclear Power with Omar Mireles](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-06-23-am-rocket-engines-and-space-nuclear-power-with-omar-mireles) (Additive Snack)

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