Space Propulsion Systems

Compare propulsion technologies and specific engines across chemical, electric, nuclear, and green propulsion categories. 27 engines spanning 8 technology families.

Engine Models

Technology Types

Manufacturers

Operational

🔥

TRL 9

Chemical - Bipropellant

LOX/RP-1, LOX/LH2, NTO/MMH

Isp Range

300-460s

Thrust Class

High

Isp Range (relative)460s max

10 engines in database

💥

TRL 9

Chemical - Solid

HTPB/AP, PBAN/AP composite

Isp Range

250-280s

Thrust Class

Very High

Isp Range (relative)280s max

3 engines in database

⚡

TRL 8-9

Electric - Hall Effect

Xenon / Krypton plasma

Isp Range

1,200-3,000s

Thrust Class

Low

Isp Range (relative)3,000s max

4 engines in database

💫

TRL 7-9

Electric - Ion (Gridded)

Xenon / Krypton gridded ion

Isp Range

2,000-10,000s

Thrust Class

Very Low

Isp Range (relative)10,000s max

3 engines in database

✨

TRL 6-8

Electric - Pulsed Plasma

PTFE / Teflon ablative

Isp Range

850-1,500s

Thrust Class

Micro

Isp Range (relative)1,500s max

1 engine in database

💨

TRL 9

Cold Gas

N2, He, R-236fa

Isp Range

50-75s

Thrust Class

Very Low

Isp Range (relative)75s max

2 engines in database

🌿

TRL 7-9

Green Propellant

AF-M315E, LMP-103S

Isp Range

220-250s

Thrust Class

Low to Medium

Isp Range (relative)250s max

2 engines in database

☢️

TRL 4-5

Nuclear Thermal

DRACO / NTP programs

Isp Range

800-1,000s

Thrust Class

Medium

Isp Range (relative)1,000s max

2 engines in database

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Scale

TRL 1

Basic principles

TRL 2

Concept formulated

TRL 3

Proof of concept

TRL 4

Lab validated

TRL 5

Component validated

TRL 6

Prototype demo

TRL 7

System prototype

TRL 8

System qualified

TRL 9

Flight proven