Propulsion & Energy Conversion Systems

Research in Propulsion & Energy Conversion Systems at Stanford Aeronautics & Astronautics spans the fundamental physics, modeling, and engineering of how energy is transformed into thrust or power across a wide range of aerospace platforms and regimes.Work in this area explores chemical propulsion and high-speed reacting flows, next-generation sustainable fuels, advanced electric and plasma propulsion technologies, and related energy conversion processes. Research combines theory, computation, and experiment to improve performance, efficiency, and environmental impact for both atmospheric and space applications.

Faculty focusing in this area include Professor Tonghun Lee, and his lab, Stanford Propulsion & Space Exploration Laboratory (SPaSE) which studies the chemistry and physics of reactive flows relevant to advanced aerospace propulsion systems with a focus on high-speed (supersonic, hypersonic, rocketry, space entry), sustainable aviation, and compact UAS propulsion. They deploy scientific tools including laser and optical diagnostics, numerical modeling and simulations, and machine learning based optimization to pursue disruptive and sustainable propulsion concepts that can reshape our future.

& Professor Ken Hara, whose lab, (The Plasma Dynamics Modeling Laboratory) centers on electric propulsion and the plasma physics that underpins advanced ionized flow systems.

For related labs, faculty, and broader propulsion/thermofluids research at Stanford, please visit the Mechanical Engineering Department’s Thermofluids, Energy, and Propulsion Systems Group (TEPS)