The Space Propulsion Lab (SPL) supports research and educational programs for undergraduate and graduate students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

What we do

We build and test electric thrusters for space propulsion applications, specializing in scalable electrospray thrusters.

How we do it

Our lab located on MIT campus houses state-of-the-art vacuum facilities and cleanroom space for building and testing thrusters.

Who we are

Our team is composed of a diverse group of professors, professional researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students.

Research at SPL

Our research covers a wide and interdisciplinary array of topics, united in their goals of advancing electric propulsion technology and knowledge.

Propulsion System Engineering

We engineer electrospray propulsion systems, including propellant control systems, high-voltage electronics, and thrusters themselves. Our systems have flight heritage on multiple space missions, with more planned.

AC8CD

Electric Propulsion Characterization

We use the most advanced ion beam diagnostics and propulsion characterization techniques to experimentally measure the performance of electric thrusters in our vacuum test facilities.

Electrospray Thruster Fabrication

We push the limits of using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication techniques to fabricate propulsion systems, advancing the state of the art in 3D microstructures, microfluidics, and more.

Modeling and Simulation

We develop high-performance computational models to simulate molecular dynamics, ion beam behavior and evolution, and electrohydrodynamics. Our models both inform experiments and help to understand underlying physical processes.

For MIT Undergrads

Are you an undergraduate student at MIT interesting in doing research in the SPL as a UROP?

For Educators

Are you a teacher or educator looking for educational resources or to contact the SPL?