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Health & Science2h 33m ago

Researchers at MIT are testing a new propulsion technology that combines two different forms of spacecraft propulsion in a single package, allowing satellites to perform both rapid maneuvers and highly efficient long-distance travel.

MIT

Who
Amelia Bruno, Paulo Lozano, Matthew Corrado, MIT, NASA
What
Researchers at MIT are testing a new propulsion technology that combines two different forms of spacecraft propulsion in a single package, allowing satellites to perform both rapid maneuvers and highly efficient long-distance travel.
When
Sat, 13 Jun 2026 23:05:02 GMT · 2h 33m ago
Where
MIT ·
Why
The system could give small satellites unprecedented flexibility by using a single propellant to power both chemical and electric thrusters, enabling them to do more science and more observations on smaller and cheaper platforms.
The Frontline Impact

How this affects you

This new dual-mode propulsion system, if successful in its real-world demonstration, could significantly expand the capabilities of compact spacecraft, potentially enabling CubeSats to undertake deep-space missions to destinations like Mars or the asteroid belt.

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