AFRL demonstrates modular multimode propulsion system for sustained space maneuver

Published Sept. 11, 2026
By Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) recently demonstrated an innovative spacecraft propulsion system under realistic conditions in a specialized test facility at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

“This work helps advance propulsion technologies that will give future space operators more flexible options for maneuver to adapt and sustain operations in demanding environments, as is required by U.S. Space Command,” said Dr. Andrew Williams, director of the AFRL Space Warfare Directorate.

Termed Propulsion Optimization UNifying Chemical and Electric (POUNCE), the demonstration proved the capability of an innovative propulsion technology called Modular Multimode Propulsion (MMP). MMP features both electric and chemical propulsion using the same propellant along with a single tank and feed system. Electric propulsion enables high-efficiency, low-thrust, long-duration and slow maneuvers; chemical propulsion enables shorter-duration, higher-thrust and faster maneuvers.

For the team behind POUNCE, the effort is not just about proving a concept—it is about giving future operators more flexible tools to meet mission demands in space.

“This demonstration is a pioneering leap in the advancement of flexible, modular and high-performance space propulsion technology to enable dynamic space operations,” said Dr. Javier Urzay, AFRL Rocket and Space Propulsion Division chief. “Our goal is to bring the future faster and deliver integrated capabilities for space warfare.”

The MMP architecture reduces system mass and volume, while increasing operational flexibility and resilience. It provides operators with discretion to allocate the same propellant to high-tempo maneuvers or more efficient repositioning of orbital assets.

The propellant used for the MMP system in this demonstration was the AFRL-developed Advanced Spacecraft Energetic Non-Toxic (ASCENT) fuel. AFRL has pursued several technology maturation activities jointly with industry to exploit the higher-density specific impulse and safer handling of ASCENT for spacecraft propulsion.

POUNCE’s MMP system also incorporated hardware from industry partners, including a composite conformal tank and propellant feed system from Flight Works, chemical thrusters from Igneon Aerospace, and a PALOMINO ion array electrospray thruster from Revolution Space.

“Alongside the relationships with our commercial partners, another equally important ingredient for this demonstration is the unique capabilities offered by the Space Propulsion Environment Facility (SPEF) at the AFRL Rocket Lab at Edwards AFB,” said Dr. Gregory Yandek, AFRL In-Space Propulsion Branch chief.

Inside SPEF, researchers were able to expose the experimental MMP system to the high-vacuum characteristics of orbital environments. Theorists first conceptualized the dual-mode combination of low-thrust and high-thrust propulsion capabilities for space missions in the 1960s, but experimentation with hardware has been limited to single-mode or primitive components until now.

Finally, the POUNCE MMP demonstration highlights how leveraging public-private partnerships can accelerate the transition of technology concepts toward operationally relevant capabilities. The demonstration hardware featured a highly modular design to quickly and easily swap different propulsion subsystems without having to change the parent system. This extra layer of flexibility will greatly increase system life replenishment and space maneuver capabilities in future operating environments.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the Department of the Air Force’s primary scientific research and development center and one of six centers within Air Force Materiel Command. AFRL leads the discovery, development and delivery of technologies for air, space and multidomain. With a workforce spanning seven mission areas at more than 40 locations worldwide, AFRL conducts research ranging from basic science to advanced technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.