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NASA has announced the Advanced Mid-Power Electric Rocket (AMPERE) Challenge, inviting U.S. commercial companies to develop and demonstrate Hall effect thruster prototypes operating at 3-7 kilowatts. The challenge offers $500,000 in total prizes, with up to two winning teams each receiving up to $250,000 plus access to NASA testing facilities across three phases. Registration opens November 9, 2026 and closes January 27, 2027.
Why it matters
Mid-power Hall effect thrusters have been identified as critical technologies for satellite operations, defense applications, and space exploration missions. This challenge aims to accelerate the development of electric propulsion capabilities that could enable more efficient spacecraft propulsion for both government and commercial space missions.
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Mid-power (3-7 kW) Hall effect thruster systems have been identified by government and industry stakeholders as critical capabilities for satellite, defense, and exploration missions. Given the need for this capability, NASA is launching the Advanced Mid-Power Electric Rocket (AMPERE) Challenge.
The NASA AMPERE Challenge invites U.S. commercial companies to develop and demonstrate mid-power Hall effect thruster prototypes. Through this challenge, NASA aims to accelerate the maturation of electric propulsion capabilities, validate real-world performance in NASA test facilities, and build the foundation needed to support future NASA and commercial missions. The challenge is open to companies incorporated in and maintaining a primary place of business in the United States.
Award: $500,000 in total prizes. Up to two winning teams can each receive up to $250,000 in cash prizes, plus access to NASA testing and technology, across three phases.
Registration Open Date: November 9, 2026
Registration Close Date: January 27, 2027
For more information including registration, rules, and eligibility, visit: https://ampere.nasatechmaturation.org/