When you think of a rocket launch, you likely imagine a massive explosion of flames and smoke expanding across the launch site as the propulsion systems hurl thousands of tons of metal into space.

A rocket’s cluster of engines firing in flight produces a bright-purple exhaust plume and thick golden smoke against a sunset sky over the ocean. Humans can leave Earth on rockets powered by chemical ...

Spacecraft propulsion traditionally relies on volatile fuels and separate, bulky systems for different types of maneuvering in space. NASA is working to change that. Engineers at NASA's Marshall Space ...

Jeff Thornburg helped turn a government research project into SpaceX’s most powerful rocket engine. Now, he’s trying to do the same thing at his startup Portal Space Systems, which is taking an idea ...

Next-generation rockets are changing space exploration by making launch vehicles more reusable, powerful, and capable of supporting deep space missions. Modern rocket technology is no longer focused ...

Chronicling the Seattle and Pacific Northwest startup scene. SEE MORE by Alan Boyle on Sep 1, 2026 at 10:38 am September 1, 2026 at 1:11 pm The Juno Propulsion team includes, from left, fluid systems ...