NASA opened registration Nov. 9, 2026, for its Advanced Mid-Power Electric Rocket (AMPERE) Challenge, a competition for U.S. commercial companies to develop and demonstrate mid-power Hall-effect thruster prototypes.
The agency says Hall-effect thrusters in the 3-to-7-kilowatt range have been identified by government and industry stakeholders as important capabilities for satellite, defense and exploration missions. The challenge is intended to help advance electric propulsion technology and assess its performance in practical testing.
NASA says participating teams may receive access to its testing facilities and technology. The competition is structured in three phases and offers up to $500,000 in total prizes. As many as two winning teams may each receive up to $250,000 in cash prizes, in addition to access to NASA resources.
Eligibility is limited to companies incorporated in the United States that also maintain their primary place of business there. Registration is scheduled to close Jan. 27, 2027. NASA directs interested companies to the AMPERE Challenge website for registration details, rules and eligibility requirements.
A Hall-effect thruster produces propulsion by using electricity and inert gas, according to NASA’s description. The agency’s announcement includes an image of a thruster tested at Glenn Research Center and notes that Orbion Space Technology sought the center’s assistance in developing the technology for small commercial satellites.
NASA said the challenge is intended to accelerate the development of electric propulsion and help establish a basis for future agency and commercial missions. The announcement does not identify participating companies, specify when winners will be selected, or provide a schedule for the three phases.
