Justin Little

Assistant Professor

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PhD, Princeton University

MA, Princeton University

BS, University of California, Irvine

Justin is the founder and director of the UW SPACE Lab. His research methods combine reduced-order theoretical modeling and innovative experiment design to explore the plasma physics fundamental to electric thrusters. The ultimate goal of his research is to improve the efficiency and capabilities of next-generation electric propulsion systems.

Anna Sheppard

NSF Graduate Research Fellow

PhD Student

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MS, University of Washington

BS, University of Michigan

Anna is researching electric propulsion concepts that run on molecular propellants. She is presently designing an electrodeless thruster that can operate using a variety of complex propellants, including water, air, or mono-propellants. Using in-situ resource utilization, future NASA missions may eventually exploit this technology for planetary exploration.

Charles Kelly

NASA NSTRF Fellow

PhD Student

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MS, University of Washington
BS, Princeton University

Charlie researches plasma physics and deep-space mission design with Magnetoshell Aerocapture, a technology with applications from getting humans on Mars to sending probes to Neptune. His work aims to develop both an analytic model and an experimental investigation informing system design of the device for these mission classes. He hopes to one day make a meaningful contribution to exploration of the solar system.

Curtis Promislow

PhD Student

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MS, North Carolina State University

BS, North Carolina State University

Curtis is working on the High Pulse Rate planar Pulsed Inductive Thruster (HiPeR-PIT) project, which investigates the effects of high pulse rate operation on the design, physics, and performance of planar pulsed inductive thrusters. His research combines power electronics and circuit design, plasma physics, and advanced plasma diagnostics. As part of this project, Curtis collaborates closely with the Propulsion Research and Development Laboratory at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.

Peter Thoreau

PhD Student

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MSc, International Space University

BE, University of Queensland

BS, University of Queensland

Peter’s research on high power electric propulsion systems covers the intersection of space engineering and plasma physics. His previous experience in the use of disruptive technologies to rapidly developed space hardware has resulted in several launched payloads to the ISS and LEO. Having previously researched Pulsed Plasma Thrusters for CubeSats, his switch to high powered systems aims to advance the mid-term performance of Hall thrusters, reducing mass and increasing efficiency. 

Sungyoung Ha

MS Student

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BS, Seoul National University

Sungyoung's research focuses on understanding the species distributions in molecular plasma, and improving diagnostic methods for such analysis. He hopes to combine this with his background in CubeSATs to develop novel space systems. His ultimate goal is to expand the borders of humanity and realize space colonization. 

Nadiah Jenkins, MS

Project Engineer, Aerojet Rocketdyne

Diego Mejia Montano, MS

Research Engineer, Momentus