Ion Space Propulsion Lab

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.

Ionic Liquid Ferrofluid MIcrothrusters

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Ultra-high Vacuum Facility

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Condensable Propellant Hall Thrusters

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Xenon/Krypton Facility

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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.

Auris Microsatellite

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Oculus-ASR Microsatellite

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Stratus CubeSat

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Spacecraft Clean Assembly Area

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Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

In Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Michigan Tech, we discover and design innovative solutions in rocket, plane, and automobile manufacturing; energy and climate infrastructure; robotics and automated manufacturing; and much more. With challenging coursework, wide-ranging options for specialization, and state-of-the-art facilities, our students become effective engineers and future leaders. Join one of the largest mechanical and aerospace engineering departments in the nation that still fosters meaningful student-faculty interactions in the classroom, the laboratory, and the field.

Apply your knowledge and skills in four semesters of mechanical and aerospace practice courses.

Receive personal attention and support in the Lagina Student Success Center.

Collaborate with industry-proven faculty on research projects, working in over 50,000 square feet of department labs and centers.

Specialize your education with over 30 cross-disciplinary technical electives.

Develop real solutions working on an industry-sponsored Senior Design capstone project.

Join one of 10 department-advised Enterprise teams, such as Aeronautics and Rocketry, Advanced Motorsports, or BoardSport Technologies.

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering is committed to inspiring students, advancing knowledge, and innovating technological solutions to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. With an entering engineering class of about 1,000 students, 18 degrees to choose from, and 160+ engineering faculty alone, our students take part in a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

Collaborate and innovate as part of Michigan Tech’s discovery-based learning environment. Explore the endless possibilities of your engineering education in Engineering Fundamentals. Work closely with world-renowned faculty as a research assistant or develop real solutions with industry partners on an Enterprise team or Senior Design capstone project.

Join the pack and find the support you need. Map your academic career with the help of an academic advisor. Transition to University life with the support of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success or receive academic support in any of the Learning Centers across campus.

Study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a full year. Focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Tech’s Global and Community Engagement program offers a range of options.

A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere. After graduating, 95 percent of our alumni find successful employment within six months. Tech engineers work at NASA, Whirlpool, General Motors, Dow, Lockheed Martin, and beyond. With multiple annual Career Fairs and one-on-one advising from Career Services, you can find an internship, co-op, or full-time job where your engineering expertise can make a difference.

Tomorrow Needs Every Engineer

Michigan Tech engineers are at the forefront of change. Using creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in healthcare, energy, transportation, space exploration, climate change, and beyond, Tech engineers are prepared to help people and their communities adapt toward an equitable future. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

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