Colorado Power Electronics partnered with GRC to mature power processing unit technology that extends the operating range of Hall thrusters, which are primarily used on Earth orbiting satellites and can also be used for deep space missions. By integrating their technology with NASA and commercial Hall thrusters, the company expects to provide a propulsion system that can significantly increase mission payload or extend mission durations.

This effort will advance the technical maturity and operational readiness of the prototype Power Processing Unit. A variable input/output PPU significantly expands performance of an electric propulsion system which can be used for space travel to Mars and other distant destinations.