NASA has successfully tested a high-powered plasma propulsion engine that could dramatically reduce future human travel time to Mars.

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• NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory tested a lithium-powered magnetoplasmadynamic plasma engine on 24 February 2026 for future deep-space missions.
• The experimental plasma thruster achieved 120 kilowatts of power, making it the highest-powered electric propulsion system ever tested in the United States.
• The engine uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate ionised lithium fuel and generate continuous thrust for long-duration interplanetary travel.
• During the test, the central tungsten electrode reached temperatures above 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, highlighting the system’s extreme thermal capability.
• NASA stated that future crewed Mars missions may require propulsion systems generating between two and four megawatts of continuous power.
• Scientists estimate the plasma thrusters may need to operate continuously for more than 23,000 hours during extended deep-space missions.
• The new propulsion system is linked with Nuclear Electric Propulsion technology, where compact nuclear reactors generate electricity for spacecraft engines.
• NASA believes advanced electric propulsion could reduce Mars travel time from the current nine months to nearly 30–60 days in future missions.