NASA engineers are testing a new electric propulsion engine that could take humans to Mars in record time.

Written by Andriely Medeiros de Araújo

Published on 03/05/2026 at 11:01

Updated on 03/05/2026 at 11:02

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NASA engineers test new 120 kW electric propulsion system that can reduce fuel consumption by 90% in crewed missions to Mars.

A significant advance for space exploration has been recorded by NASA engineers: a new electric propulsion system was put to the test in the agency’s laboratories and reached 120 kilowatts of power — a historic record in the United States. The technology, which uses metallic lithium vapor as fuel, was developed with a focus on enabling crewed missions to Mars and could completely transform how humanity plans journeys to the red planet.

Power Record

During the most recent tests, the electric thruster developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory reached 120 kilowatts of power — an unprecedented milestone for systems of this type in the United States.

To give an idea of the magnitude of this result, the recorded performance is approximately 25 times greater than that delivered by electric thrusters currently in use on the Psyche mission, which is traveling towards asteroid 16 Psyche.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

How does the new electric propulsion system work?

Unlike conventional rockets — which release all their thrust at once during takeoff — electric motors operate gradually. They accelerate the spacecraft continuously, allowing it to reach progressively higher speeds throughout the journey.

NASA engineers test new 120 kW electric propulsion system that can reduce fuel consumption by 90% in crewed missions to Mars. Image: Canva.

This operational difference brings a concrete advantage: fuel efficiency. According to NASA, the system can reduce consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional chemical thrusters — a significant number when talking about missions that would last about 2.6 years in total.

Among the main differentials of the technology are:

Use of metallic lithium vapor as propellant
Continuous acceleration throughout the journey, without an initial impulse peak
Up to 90% reduction in fuel consumption compared to chemical rockets
Potential to exceed the Psyche probe’s projected speed of 200,000 km/h
Lower fuel load requirement for crewed missions

Challenges still need to be overcome

Despite the promising results, the path to a crewed mission to Mars is still long. NASA estimates that, to enable this type of journey, systems with power between 2 and 4 megawatts will be needed — a level far superior to the 120 kilowatts achieved so far.

Furthermore, the thrusters will need to withstand extreme conditions, including temperatures exceeding 2,800 °C, and operate continuously for over 23,000 hours. Therefore, the current stage represents an important proof of concept, but not the final product.

Technical Comparison

Parameter	Current (test)	Goal for Mars
Power	120 kW	2,000 – 4,000 kW
Temperature supported	Under test	> 2,800 °C
Operating hours	Under evaluation	> 23,000 h
Fuel reduction	Up to 90% compared to chemical rockets

Why does Mars require different propulsion?

Missions to the red planet involve a series of logistical complexities that make energy efficiency indispensable.

Spacecraft need to transport astronauts, supplies, and equipment for an extended period — and the available launch windows between Earth and Mars occur only every two years, which imposes rigid planning and inevitably long missions.

Meanwhile, a more efficient system not only reduces the amount of fuel needed — which decreases the total weight of the spacecraft — but also expands the possibilities for planning journeys.

Therefore, the evolution of electric propulsion could be decisive for crewed missions to Mars to become viable within the next few decades.

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With information from Olhar Digital

NASA engineers are testing a new electric propulsion engine that could take humans to Mars in record time.

NASA engineers test new 120 kW electric propulsion system that can reduce fuel consumption by 90% in crewed missions to Mars.

Power Record

How does the new electric propulsion system work?

Challenges still need to be overcome

Why does Mars require different propulsion?

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Power Record

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