Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 5 minutes ago
Experts at NASA are conducting critical tests on a hybrid rocket system developed at Utah State University’s Propulsion Research Laboratory.
Stephen Whitmore, a professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, worked alongside graduate students Ryan Thibaudeau, Josh Sorenson, and Jared Coen, as well as undergraduate students, including Jaron Dowdy, to develop a 3D-printed hybrid rocket motor that offers smoother, safer descent performance and provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional propulsion systems.
The rocket system was developed to support NASA’s Human Landing System, a transportation platform designed to carry astronauts to the lunar surface as part of the Artemis campaign. It also contributes to the Plume Surface Interaction project, which focuses on advancing modeling and testing to better understand how rocket exhaust plumes affect planetary landing sites.
The hybrid system being used in the PSI test-campaign leverages the High-Performance “Green” Hybrid Propulsion system, which has been in development for the past decade at USU.
Originally, this system was developed as an environmentally sustainable replacement for highly toxic propellants. This system is as safe and environmentally friendly as cold-gas systems but also offers a much higher performance level.
To achieve a soft touchdown, powerful engines are essential for a lander module to brake from lunar orbit.
"Although the PSI hybrid gas-generator system was not specifically designed as an in-space propulsion system, by the successful completion of this program under both ambient and vacuum-conditions and across three different test facilities, this 75-mm thrust chamber will be the most highly tested and well-characterized hybrid motor in history,” Whitmore said.
Thumbnail Includes Images From: NASA Kennedy Space Center, NASA Office of Communications, Unsplash, Rishabh Pammi, and Adobe Stock
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Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
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USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
Experts at NASA are conducting critical tests on a hybrid rocket system developed at Utah State University’s Propulsion Research Laboratory.
Stephen Whitmore, a professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, worked alongside graduate students Ryan Thibaudeau, Josh Sorenson, and Jared Coen, as well as undergraduate students, including Jaron Dowdy, to develop a 3D-printed hybrid rocket motor that offers smoother, safer descent performance and provides a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional propulsion systems.
The rocket system was developed to support NASA’s Human Landing System, a transportation platform designed to carry astronauts to the lunar surface as part of the Artemis campaign. It also contributes to the Plume Surface Interaction project, which focuses on advancing modeling and testing to better understand how rocket exhaust plumes affect planetary landing sites.
The hybrid system being used in the PSI test-campaign leverages the High-Performance “Green” Hybrid Propulsion system, which has been in development for the past decade at USU.
Originally, this system was developed as an environmentally sustainable replacement for highly toxic propellants. This system is as safe and environmentally friendly as cold-gas systems but also offers a much higher performance level.
To achieve a soft touchdown, powerful engines are essential for a lander module to brake from lunar orbit.
"Although the PSI hybrid gas-generator system was not specifically designed as an in-space propulsion system, by the successful completion of this program under both ambient and vacuum-conditions and across three different test facilities, this 75-mm thrust chamber will be the most highly tested and well-characterized hybrid motor in history,” Whitmore said.
Thumbnail Includes Images From: NASA Kennedy Space Center, NASA Office of Communications, Unsplash, Rishabh Pammi, and Adobe Stock
–––––––––––
Since 1888, Utah State University established itself as a premier research institution known through the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. USU’s main campus is in Logan, plus 30 campuses throughout Utah. And as long as WiFi is available, you can be an Aggie anywhere through USU Online.
USU competes in 16 NCAA Division I sports. Our student section, the HURD, is one of the loudest and rowdiest in the nation. The diehards become True Aggies by kissing on the block “A” on Homecoming. Adrenaline junkies sled down Old Main hill between classes or rock climb outside. And everyone eats Aggie Ice Cream — even with a foot of snow on the ground.
#7 Best Bang for the Buck in the West - Washington Monthly
#8 Public University in the Nation - Washington Monthly
#11 Best Online Bachelor's Program - U.S. News & World Report
There’s a place for you at Utah State. Join us.
https://usu.edu/admissions/aggielife/
Follow Us
FB: facebook.com/UtahState
IG: instagram.com/USUAggielife
TW: twitter.com/USUAggies
USU is committed to a learning and working environment free from discrimination. For USU’s non-discrimination notice, see equity.usu.edu/non-discrimination.
