science

NASA just tested a powerful new thruster that could send humans to Mars

Science Daily · May 6, 2026, 9:00 PM · Also reported by 3 other sources

Why this matters: new research or scientific developments with potential real-world impact.

A powerful new electromagnetic thruster has taken a major step forward after a successful high-energy test at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Fueled by lithium vapor and driven by intense magnetic forces, the experimental engine reached record-breaking power levels—far beyond anything currently us

Read full story on Science Daily → More top stories

Also covered by

NASA News NASA’s Perseverance Mars Rover Surveys ‘Crocodile Bridge’ Wired Mexico City Is Sinking. A Powerful NASA Satellite Just Exposed How Fast DW English Mars: NASA's Curiosity rover finds new organic matter in Gale Crater

Aggregated and edited by the Scoop newsroom. We surface news from Science Daily alongside other reporting so you can compare coverage in one place. Editorial policy · Corrections · About Scoop

NASA just tested a powerful new thruster that could send humans to Mars

Also covered by

More in science