Justin Little

Justin Little is an Associate Professor in the William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics at the University of Washington. He holds a PhD and M.S. in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University (2014). Previously, he worked as a Research Scientist and Part-Time Lecturer at UW and at MSNW LLC, focusing on plasma science and electric propulsion.

His research emphasizes novel electric propulsion systems for space exploration, telecommunications, and low-cost satellites. Key areas include plasma physics, plasma chemistry, and theoretical modeling linked to experimental design. The SPACE Lab, his affiliated laboratory, drives innovations in space propulsion concepts.

Notable achievements include a DARPA Award for lunar surface solar wind energy research. He developed UW’s first undergraduate electric propulsion laboratory course and actively engages in capstone and summer research programs.

• Education:
• Ph.D., Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, 2014
• M.S., Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University

Grants and collaborations involve managing research programs in plasma science and leading initiatives to advance thruster efficiency for next-generation space systems.