Justin Little
Assistant Professor

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.

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Arvindh Sharma
PhD Student
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MS, University of Cincinnati
BE, Anna University

Arvindh is working on characterizing the evolution of dynamic structures in a Pulsed Inductive Thruster plasma. He comes from a background in fluids and combustion research and plans to apply image processing techniques to the study of plasma physics. His goal is to contribute to the development of space propulsion systems for long-term space exploration.

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Jonah Taylor
MS Student
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BS, Occidental College

Jonah’s research focuses on exploring alternate cathode types for use on Hall thrusters. Specifically, he is developing a theoretical model to determine if a cathode with a planar-shaped emitter can offer any improvements over the traditionally used hollow cathode in terms of overall thruster efficiency.

Patrick Rae
MS Student

BS, University of Washington

Traditional electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) thrusters have experienced lifetime limitations from antenna erosion which have prevented their use in space. Patrick is developing a shielded antenna ECR to expand the future possibilities for ECR thruster implementation.

Curtis Promislow
PhD Student

MS, North Carolina State University
BS, North Carolina State University

 

Curtis is working on the High Pulse Rate planar Pulsed Inductive Thruster 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.

Landon Bevier
PhD Student
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BS, University of Washington
BA, University of Washington

Landon’s research focuses on developing our understanding of plasma chemical reactions in molecular propellant EP devices.  This work is done both experimentally with the use of a Helicon plasma source as well as theoretically by way of simulated molecular plasma models. 

Reed Thompson
MS Student
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BS, University of Washington

Reed is developing a quadruple Langmuir probe to expand SPACE Lab's plasma diagnositic capabilities. SPACE Lab will be able to take instantaneous measurements of plasma parameters such as electron temperature, electron density, and ion velocity. Each of these parameters help determine key performance characteristics of electric propulsion devices in development at SPACE Lab.

Danny Roberts
MS Student

BS, University of Washington

Danny is researching plasma plume-spacecraft interaction modeling. Understanding effects such as erosion, deposition, and spacecraft charging due to backflow exhaust ions in electric thruster plumes is essential for in-orbit satellite servicing and long duration EP missions.

Peter Thoreau
PhD Student
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MS, University of Washington
MSc, International Space University
BE, University of Queensland
BSc, University of Queensland

Peter is researching Magnetically Shielded Hall Thrusters. His research covers plasma lensing and novel operation of the SPACE Lab low power Hall thruster. He has designed and built the thruster along with diagnostics for the lab including a thrust stand and Faraday probe array. 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.

Isabella Rieco
GEM & Varanasi Fellow
PhD Student

BS, Pennsylvania State University

Isabella is researching 1D erosion modeling for Magnetically Shielded Hall Thrusters. This work will be developed theoretically first then tested experimentally using a novel low power Hall Thruster. This work will aid in improving the lifetime of Hall thrusters and can be developed to aid in accelerated lifetime testing.

Sari Emese Barczay
MS Student
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BA, George Mason University
BS, University of Washington

Sari's research focuses on the applications of plasma physics to the development of Plasma Aerocapture. In particular, her work focuses on developing a global model with molecular species in order to gain a more nuanced understanding of interactions between plasma and a neutral stream. She is excited to be supporting work that will help to expand the possibilities of space missions.