NewsStory

NASA opens US$500,000 challenge for electric spacecraft thrusters

KROV newsroom

10 Nov 2026, 12:16 pm IST1 min read

DiscussionThe story behind the news.

NASA opened registration on November 9 for AMPERE, a US$500,000 prize competition to develop and demonstrate electric spacecraft thrusters in the 3–7 kilowatt range. The contest focuses on Hall-effect thrusters, which use electricity to accelerate charged gas particles and generate thrust. [evidence-1] [evidence-2]

NASA says up to two teams can each earn up to US$250,000 in cash prizes across three phases, along with access to NASA testing and technology. The agency wants to assess prototype performance at its facilities and advance propulsion technology that could support future missions. [evidence-1]

Registration closes January 27, 2027. NASA says companies must be incorporated in the United States and have their principal place of business there to enter. [evidence-1]

Sources and credits

Credit: NASA

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