Lyon Brad King

Lyon Brad King serves as the Richard and Elizabeth Henes Endowed Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering within Michigan Technological University's College of Engineering. He directs the Space Systems Research Group and acts as Faculty Advisor for the Aerospace Enterprise student team.

Dr. King earned his PhD from the University of Michigan. His research focuses on experimental space propulsion systems that utilize electromagnetic forces to accelerate ionized plasma propellant, achieving significant fuel savings over chemical rockets through on-orbit solar power generation.

His expertise spans space propulsion, plasma physics, and optical diagnostics, with specific interests in Hall-effect thrusters, ion engines, arcjets, electrostatic probe design, ion-energy analysis, time-of-flight mass spectrometry, Doppler laser cooling of trapped ions, and antimatter confinement. His work bridges fundamental plasma phenomena with practical spacecraft propulsion applications.

Analysis of his publication record reveals sustained innovation in electric propulsion systems over two decades, with recent emphasis on thermal management for Hall thrusters, alternative propellants like bismuth and magnesium, advanced plasma diagnostics techniques, and novel concepts such as magnetoelectrostatic jets from ionic liquids.

Dr. King actively mentors students through the Aerospace Enterprise program and leads experimental research at the Ion Space Propulsion Laboratory, where his team develops next-generation propulsion technologies for spacecraft.