Propulsion

Science, Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion - Quasi Moto: Theoretical Propulsion Physics. Considers unconventional means of space propulsion (and any ancillary systems), with the aim to determine their feasibility or basis in fact.

The Hall Thruster Experiment (HTX) was established in 1999. The Hall thruster is a type of plasma-based propulsion systems for space vehicles. The amount of fuel that must be carried by a satellite depends on the speed with which the thruster can eject it. Chemical rockets have very limited fuel exhaust speed. Plasmas can be ejected at much higher speeds, therefore less fuel need be carried on board. The Hall thruster was invented in the late 1950's. Until the mid 1990's, the hall thruster has been developed primarily by the Russians. During the past 30 years, the Russian placed in orbit more than 100 Hall thrusters. However, the vast majority of satellites worldwide have relied on chemical thrusters and, to a lesser extent, arcjet thrusters and ion thrusters.

Science, Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion - Electric Propulsion and Plasma Dynamics Laboratory. Research in electric propulsion, plasma thrusters and fundamental problems in plasma physics.

Science, Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion - Solar-Thruster-Sailor. Solar Sail with hybrid propulsion, using light pressure and ion thruster to produce thrust.

Science, Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion - Swiss Propulsion Laboratory. Aims to develop systems to transport small civilian payloads into a low-earth orbit (LEO).

Science, Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion - Turbo Jet Engine Research Laboratories. Israel Institute of Technology.

CPIAC - The Chemical Propulsion Information Analysis Center

Science, Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Propulsion - Tethers Unlimited. Use of space tethers for propellantless electrodynamic tether propulsion, pumped tether length propulsion, and transferring energy and momentum from one spacecraft to another.