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Propulsion Systems Database
Comprehensive reference of space propulsion technologies -- engines, thrusters, and experimental systems powering humanity's expansion into space.
32
Total Systems
25
Operational
7
Propulsion Types
21
Manufacturers
32 of 32 systems
Thrust: 695 kN
Isp: 350 s
In Development
Thrust: 2,400 kN
Isp: 339 s
Operational
Thrust: 0.39 N
Isp: 2,100 s
Operational
Thrust: 0.5 N
Isp: 65 s
Operational
Thrust: ~25,000 N
Isp: 900 s
In Development
Thrust: 1,663 kN
Isp: 275 s
Operational
Thrust: 1.0 N
Isp: 255 s
Operational
Thrust: 0.0004 N
Isp: 6,000 s
Operational
Thrust: N/A (power source)
In Development
Thrust: 1.0 N
Isp: 252 s
Operational
Thrust: 981 kN
Isp: 311 s
Operational
Thrust: 981 kN
Isp: 348 s
Operational
Thrust: 0.0015 N
Isp: 3,200 s
In Development
Thrust: 0.236 N
Isp: 4,190 s
Operational
Thrust: 4,500 kN
Isp: 278 s
Operational
Thrust: 0.326 N
Isp: 1,800 s
Operational
Thrust: 1,000 kN
Isp: 360 s
In Development
Thrust: 2,256 kN
Isp: 350 s
Operational
Thrust: 4,152 kN
Isp: 338 s
Retired
Thrust: 106 kN
Isp: 453 s
Operational
Thrust: 2,279 kN
Isp: 452 s
Operational
Thrust: 25.8 kN
Isp: 343 s
Operational
Thrust: 0.29 N
Isp: 1,770 s
Operational
Thrust: 16,000 kN
Isp: 269 s
Operational
Thrust: 68 kN
Isp: 292 s
Operational
Thrust: 0.055 N
Isp: 1,600 s
Operational
Thrust: 0.143 N
Isp: 4,120 s
Operational
Thrust: 0.0001 N
Isp: 1,800 s
Operational
Thrust: 180 kN
Isp: 457 s
Operational
Thrust: 1,390 kN
Isp: 434 s
Operational
Thrust: 5.42 N
Isp: 2,650 s
In Development
Thrust: 0.165 N
Isp: 3,500 s
Operational
Propulsion Type Overview
Chemical Liquid
High thrust, moderate Isp. Turbopump-fed liquid propellants. Workhorse of orbital launch.
Chemical Solid
Very high thrust, lower Isp. Simple and reliable. Boosters and kick stages.
Electric
Very low thrust, very high Isp. Ion and Hall thrusters for long-duration in-space propulsion.
Green
Non-toxic alternatives to hydrazine. Lower handling costs, reduced launch-site hazards.
Nuclear
Fission-heated propellant or reactor power. Highest theoretical Isp for high-thrust applications.
Cold Gas / Electrospray
Miniaturized systems for CubeSats and nanosats. Low thrust, high precision or simplicity.
Data compiled from manufacturer specifications, NASA technical reports, and ESA documentation. Specifications may vary by configuration and mission profile.