Zachary Taillefer

Zachary Taillefer serves as an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where he joined the faculty in August 2019 after working as a Senior Scientist at Busek Co. Inc. His dual focus combines educational leadership with cutting-edge research in electric propulsion systems for spacecraft.

Dr. Taillefer completed his entire academic journey at WPI:

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering (2017)
• MS in Aerospace Engineering (2012)
• BS in Aerospace Engineering (2011)

His research pioneers next-generation electric propulsion using alternative propellants like iodine to overcome xenon limitations. By leveraging condensable propellants, his work aims to dramatically increase mission lifetime and available spacecraft volume for scientific payloads. Key investigation areas include hollow cathode plasma properties with novel propellants, plasma diagnostic techniques, and thruster wear mechanisms—addressing the complex reactivity challenges of iodine through experimental characterization.

Recent publications (2016-2020) reveal consistent advancement in Hall effect thruster technology, with emphasis on long-duration testing, alternative propellant compatibility, and plasma diagnostics. His work bridges theoretical plasma physics with practical spacecraft engineering, showing increasing focus on iodine-based systems as a viable xenon alternative.

As a teaching faculty member, Dr. Taillefer emphasizes fundamental concepts while connecting coursework to real-world aerospace applications. His industry experience at Busek Co. Inc.—where he developed thrusters, hollow cathodes, and propellant systems—provides authentic context for students. He actively mentors through his role as Faculty Advisor for the AIAA Student Club, fostering student engagement in propulsion research.

Based in Higgins Labs (Room 203), his research group offers students hands-on experience with electric propulsion testing, plasma diagnostics, and alternative propellant systems. This experimental environment prepares students for careers in spacecraft propulsion through direct involvement in solving real engineering challenges.