Electronically throttleable solid propulsion
Solid rocket motors you can turn off, on, and up.
Nanosecond transient plasma embedded in the propellant grain controls combustion electronically. Instant, repeatable thrust modulation with no moving parts and no valves.
The problem
Once a solid motor is lit, it burns at full thrust until it is empty.
Predictable trajectories
With no way to throttle or pause mid-flight, a solid-motor vehicle flies a fixed profile that adversaries can track and intercept.
Limited satellite maneuvering
Compact, throttleable thrusters would let satellites correct or change orbits on demand. Today most stay on predictable paths because propulsion options are too limited.
Technology
Transient plasma inside the grain drives the combustion chemistry.
High-voltage pulses with nanosecond rise times create a transient plasma embedded in the propellant. Unlike a conventional arc, the discharge spreads through the volume and drives non-equilibrium combustion chemistry, so combustion follows an electrical command.
- Pulse rise time
- 5–10 ns
- Off → on
- ~30 msbetween two consecutive video frames
- Moving parts
- Noneno valves or pintles
- Propellants
- HTPB-APand ionic liquids
Scaling roadmap
Proven at 1.5 inches. Scaling to 6, the first commercial class.
Proof-of-principle testing is complete in motors up to 1.5" diameter. The next step runs through a 3" intermediate motor to 6", where defense and space partners can evaluate a flight-representative unit. 12", 24" and 36" classes follow.
Team
Built on federally funded research at USC.
Prof. Steve Cronin
Founder
Originator of the electronically throttleable solid rocket motor concept and lead of the proof-of-concept demonstrations at USC.
Caleb Medchill
CEO / CTO
Co-inventor and lead author of the underlying work. Leads technical development and commercial translation.
Dr. Irina Kukuyeva
Mentor
Startup advisor who has guided numerous early-stage ventures from concept to growth.
Research supported by DARPA and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, with foundational work performed in collaboration with The Aerospace Corporation. Core intellectual property is held by the University of Southern California.
Contact
Partners, program offices and investors.
We are working with defense and space partners to evaluate the 6" motor. Get in touch for technical briefings; detailed performance data is shared with qualified parties under CUI controls.
Los Angeles, California