Helium Hydride
Plasma Propulsion

A magnetically confined plasma propulsion system using HeH⁺ — the universe's first molecule — to generate high-efficiency thrust for spacecraft and deep-space exploration.

Launch Simulation
DZ
Inventor & Designer
Dr Dahlia Zandra Mohd Mohzani
Helium Hydride Plasma Propulsion System

Live Propulsion Simulator

Adjust parameters and watch the plasma respond in real time

① Fuel Inlet
② Ionisation
③ Confinement
④ Acceleration
⑤ Nozzle
50
Thrust (mN)
1500
Isp (s)
500
Power (W)
30
Exhaust v (km/s)
72
Efficiency (%)

How It Works

Five stages convert electrical energy into directed thrust

①

Fuel Inlet

Neutral HeH⁺ gas is introduced into the system at a controlled rate.

②

Ionisation Zone

Atoms are stripped of electrons, creating a high-energy charged plasma.

③

Magnetic Confinement

Magnetic fields stabilise and guide the plasma without physical walls.

④

Acceleration Channel

Electric fields rapidly increase ion velocity toward exhaust speed.

⑤

Magnetic Nozzle

Shapes and directs exhaust with zero material contact, reducing erosion.

The Physics

Lorentz Force

F = q(E + v × B)

Governs how charged ions are pushed by combined electric and magnetic fields.

Faraday's Law

∇ × E = −∂B/∂t

Changing magnetic fields induce electric fields that help sustain plasma flow.

Maxwell's Equations

∇ · B = 0

Describe the full behaviour of electromagnetic fields throughout the system.

5
Core Stages
0
Chemical Combustion
∞
Mission Potential
HeH⁺
Universe's First Molecule