Mission Status Update June 2026: DUPLEX MVP and FPPT thrusters have both been fired successfully multiple times, and the primary mission objectives have been achieved. CUA continues to test the thrusters to collect more data. Read more details on DUPLEX.

Innovative Aerospace Flight Technologies and Solutions

Space propulsion systems, advanced aerospace materials, simulation tools, and plasma technology

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CUA’s DUPLEX CubeSat onboard NG-23 Cygnus being captured and docked to ISS on Sept 18, 2025

Creative solutions for tough problems.

Champaign-Urbana Aerospace (CU Aerospace or CUA for short) is engaged in identifying and developing promising new aerospace, plasmadynamic and thermodynamic concepts and ultimately producing, commercializing, and distributing those innovative technologies.

Spacecraft Solutions

With more than 26 years of innovative aerospace, electrical, and materials engineering research as our foundation, CUA is uniquely positioned to offer propulsion and mission optimization solutions that utilize the newest ideas at a cost-effective price point while maintaining environmentally conscious and safe alternatives.

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Plasma Systems

As the world’s understanding of the fourth fundamental state of matter and complex plasmadynamics expands, new technologies are being invented to solve modern problems. CUA is developing multiple plasma-based technologies to address emerging needs. Low temperature sterilization & plasma-assisted combustion improving fuel efficiency and more.

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Engineering Services

Need Expert Advice? CUA offers engineering services with a diverse range of expertise- spacecraft propulsion, high energy lasers, modeling & simulation, advanced materials, plasma & discharge engineering, robotics, controls, diode lasers, fuel cell technology, among other technologies.

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Thermal Solutions

The THERMOSYS 5 Toolbox is a suite of simulation tools for analyzing the behavior of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. It was developed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign through sponsorship by the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Center (ACRC) and distributed by CU Aerospace.

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Genetic Algorithm

A genetic algorithm is a optimization technique based on natural selection. Successive generations evolve more fit individuals, as the Darwinian theory of survival of the fittest contends. The genetic algorithm is a computer simulation of such evolution where the user provides the environment in which the population must evolve.

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Latest Updates

In the News Announcements

Local News Feature

CUA is looking to expand its footprint to a new space dedicated to production.

Announcements

NASA’s Two-in-One Satellite Propulsion Demo Begins In-Space Test

NASA and CU Aerospace have launched the DUPLEX CubeSat on a two year mission to test two innovative…

Announcements In the News

Two CUA Partners featured in Grainger College of Engineering story

The spirit of innovation cultivated by The Grainger College of Engineering has led some alumni to…

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CUA offers many propulsion options for your satellite mission — offering choices that range in specific impulse, thrust, mass, and functionality — with capabilities providing collision avoidance, orbit raising or lowering, and deorbiting, to name a few. Our innovative use of safe, effective propellants allows CUA to offer high functionality at a competitive price point.

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