NASA has announced the Advanced Mid-Power Electric Rocket (AMPERE) Challenge, offering $500,000 in prizes to American companies developing Hall effect thrusters. The competition targets mid-power propulsion systems operating at 3 to 7 kilowatts, technology identified by government agencies and aerospace experts as valuable for satellite operations, national defense, and space exploration.
Hall effect thrusters use electric and magnetic fields to accelerate charged particles at high speeds. They produce less thrust than chemical rocket engines but consume propellant far more efficiently, making them suited for long-duration missions requiring gentle acceleration over extended periods rather than brief, powerful bursts. These thrusters already operate in space for adjusting satellite orbits and maintaining spacecraft positions.
Participating companies will develop and demonstrate Hall-effect thruster prototypes. NASA intends to assess their performance using its testing facilities, helping move experimental propulsion technology toward equipment suitable for future missions. The competition runs in three phases, with up to two winning teams eligible to receive up to $250,000 each. Winning teams also gain access to NASA testing resources and technology.
The challenge is open to companies incorporated in the United States with their primary place of business in the country. Registration opens November 9, 2026, and closes January 27, 2027. Complete competition rules and eligibility requirements are available on the official NASA AMPERE Challenge website.