Howe Industries (ThermaSat)

Howe Industries LLC is a US-based nuclear and advanced propulsion technology company headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, developing ThermaSat — a nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) system for small satellites and deep space probes. ThermaSat uses a miniaturized nuclear fission reactor to heat propellant (hydrogen) to extremely high temperatures, achieving specific impulse approximately twice that of the best chemical rockets — enabling faster transit times to the Moon, Mars, and beyond for small spacecraft. Howe Industries has received NASA and DARPA funding for ThermaSat development under programs aimed at demonstrating nuclear propulsion for rapid lunar and interplanetary transit. The company also develops other advanced propulsion concepts including nuclear electric propulsion and antimatter-catalyzed fusion.