NASA Offers $500,000 to Upgrade Electric Rocket Engines
NASA launched a new competition offering $500,000 in prizes to help American companies build better electric rocket engines for future space missions.
NASA is launching a new contest called the AMPERE Challenge. The space agency wants American businesses to build better electric propulsion systems. These are engines that use electricity instead of burning chemicals to push spacecraft through the void. The contest offers a total of $500,000 in cash prizes.
Focusing on Mid-Power Thrusters
The competition specifically targets Hall effect thrusters that run on three to seven kilowatts of power. Experts view this mid-power range as vital for running satellites, national defense tasks, and exploring deep space. Unlike traditional chemical rockets that give a fast and powerful burst of speed, electric engines provide a steady, gentle push over long periods. This makes them much more efficient for long missions.
Three Phases of Competition
The challenge is split into three phases. Up to two winning teams can each receive up to $250,000. Winners will also get access to official testing facilities and agency resources. Eligible participants must be commercial companies based in the United States. Registration opens on November 9, 2026, and ends on January 27, 2027.
- NASA offers $500,000 in total prizes for the new challenge.
- The contest targets thrusters using 3,000 to 7,000 watts of power.
- Registration runs from late 2026 through January 2027.
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