Who We Are
Michigan Technological University's Ion Space Propulsion (ISP) Lab is dedicated to advancing spacecraft technology through a collection of research, development, and education activities. Doctoral research students build and test plasma thrusters that propel satellites—some as large as a school bus and others as small as a smartphone. Undergraduate students apply systems engineering fundamentals to design, build, and fly small satellites for agencies such as NASA and the US Department of Defense. Faculty experts push the limits of what is possible to solve problems for government and industry clients.
Next-generation Plasma Thrusters for Spacecraft
Learn about ourIonic Liquid Ferrofluid MIcrothrusters and Condensable Propellant Hall Thrusters research
and our Ultra-high Vacuum Facilityand Xenon/Krypton Facility.
Small Satellites, Big Ideas
Students design, build, and operate small satellites for government and industry clients.
Aerospace Enterprise Projects and Facilities
The Michigan Tech Aerospace Enterprise is developing the aerospace professionals and space systems of the future. Explore our Auris Microsatellite, Stratus CubeSat, Oculus-ASR Microsatellite, and Spacecraft Clean Assembly Area.