United States operational
CU Aerospace
CU Aerospace is a Champaign, Illinois-based propulsion company founded in 1998 as a spin-off from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).
- Founded
- 1998
- Headquarters
- Champaign, United States
- Ownership
- Private
Quick Facts
About CU Aerospace
CU Aerospace is a Champaign, Illinois-based propulsion company founded in 1998 as a spin-off from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The company specializes in Pulsed Plasma Thrusters (PPTs) and micro-propulsion systems for CubeSats and small satellites, as well as advanced combustion research. CU Aerospace's PPT technology uses solid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE/Teflon) propellant ablated by an electrical pulse — no pressurized tanks or toxic propellants required, making it inherently safe for rideshare and educational satellites.
The company has also developed the CHIPS (CubeSat High Impulse Propulsion System) thruster based on R134a propellant and conducts combustion and energetic materials research under AFOSR, DARPA, and DoD contracts alongside its commercial propulsion product line.
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- Verification
- Verified 2026-09-05
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Frequently asked about CU Aerospace
Quick answers to the questions readers most often search for.
- When was CU Aerospace founded?
- CU Aerospace was founded in 1998 in United States.
- Where is CU Aerospace headquartered?
- CU Aerospace is headquartered in Champaign, United States.
- What does CU Aerospace do?
- CU Aerospace is a Champaign, Illinois-based propulsion company founded in 1998 as a spin-off from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). The company specializes in Pulsed Plasma Thrusters (PPTs) and micro-propulsion systems for CubeSats and small satellites, as well as advanced combustion research. CU A…
- Is CU Aerospace a public or private company?
- CU Aerospace is a privately held company and is not listed on any stock exchange.
- What sector does CU Aerospace operate in?
- CU Aerospace works in propulsion.
Data Accuracy Notice: Information about CU Aerospace is compiled from publicly available sources including company websites, press releases, regulatory filings, and industry reports. Data is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most recent developments.