Business Details
45 Years
experience
Innovative Aerospace Propulsion Solutions
Founded in 1981, Wickman Spacecraft & Propulsion Company (WSPC) has established itself as a leader in high-risk, high-payoff aerospace engineering projects. Our expertise lies in developing cutting-edge propulsion systems for space exploration, including lunar and Martian missions, while collaborating with NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial clients. We pioneered phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate oxidizers, gelled metallized liquid oxygen monopropellants, and non-explosive high burn rate solid propellants. Our team has over four decades of combined experience in solid rocket motor failure analysis, lunar base design, and Martian propulsion technologies. WSPC relocated to Casper, Wyoming in 1993 to enable large-scale rocket testing, where we continue innovating low-cost access to space through advanced materials and fabrication techniques.We hold a unique position as the first company to develop lunar soil-based propellants and Mars-compatible rocket engines burning carbon dioxide. Our engineers have designed a Small Launch Vehicle capable of delivering 2,000 lbs to LEO for under $5 million, demonstrating our commitment to cost-effective space solutions. With a history of tackling technically challenging projects others avoid, we maintain rigorous safety standards and technical excellence across all operations. Our work on deep space solid propellants that ignite in hard vacuum positions us at the forefront of interplanetary mission technologies. WSPC remains a trusted partner for government agencies and commercial entities seeking breakthrough propulsion systems.
Services
Space Propulsion Systems
Lunar Propellant Development
Mars Rocket Engines
Guided Sounding Rockets
Low-Cost Launch Vehicles
Deep Space Propellants
Thrust Vector Control
Martian Jet Engines
Lunar Base Technologies
Satellite Transfer Vehicles
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in aerospace propulsion R&D
- We developed the first Mars-compatible rocket engine burning CO2
- Our Small Launch Vehicle delivers 2,000 lbs to LEO for under $5M
- We pioneered lunar soil-based propellant technologies
- Our engineers hold patents on phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate oxidizers
Services
Space Propulsion Systems
We develop advanced propulsion systems for space exploration, including lunar soil-based propellants and Mars-compatible rocket engines. Our technologies enable cost-effective access to space through innovative materials and fabrication methods. These systems support interplanetary missions and satellite deployment with proven reliability.
Low-Cost Launch Vehicles
Our Small Launch Vehicle delivers 2,000 lbs to low Earth orbit for under $5 million. Using commercial-grade materials and proprietary fabrication techniques, we reduce costs while maintaining performance. This solution enables budget-conscious space missions without compromising technical excellence.
Martian Propulsion Technologies
We pioneered rocket engines that burn Martian atmospheric carbon dioxide with magnesium powder. This technology enables sustainable Mars missions using local resources. Our jet engine prototypes demonstrate feasibility for Martian aircraft and rover power systems.
Lunar Base Development
Our lunar concrete technology uses processed moon soil for base construction. We design transportation systems for lunar materials and develop oxygen extraction methods. These solutions support permanent human presence on the Moon through resource-efficient engineering.
Deep Space Propellants
We create solid propellants that ignite in hard vacuum conditions. These formulations maintain performance at extreme cold temperatures for deep space missions. Our technologies enable long-duration interplanetary travel and satellite orbital adjustments.
People
John Wickman
Founder & Chief Engineer
With over 40 years in aerospace engineering, John Wickman founded WSPC in 1981. He pioneered lunar soil propellant research and developed the first Mars-compatible rocket engine. His expertise spans solid rocket motor analysis and low-cost space solutions.
Dr. Adolf Oberth
Co-Founder & Propulsion Chemist
A renowned propellant chemist with numerous patents, Dr. Oberth co-founded WSPC in 1987. He developed phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate oxidizers and advanced solid rocket propellant technologies. His work forms the foundation of WSPC's propulsion innovations.
Questions
What propulsion technologies do you specialize in?
We specialize in lunar soil propellants, Mars-compatible rocket engines, low-cost launch vehicles, deep space propellants, and thrust vector control systems for interplanetary missions.
How do you enable cost-effective space access?
We use commercial-grade materials, innovative fabrication methods, and proprietary propulsion technologies to reduce launch costs while maintaining performance and reliability standards.
Can your engines operate on Mars?
Yes, we've developed rocket engines that burn Martian atmospheric carbon dioxide with magnesium powder, and jet engines for potential Martian aircraft applications.
What launch vehicle capabilities do you offer?
Our Small Launch Vehicle delivers 2,000 lbs to low Earth orbit for under $5 million, featuring phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate propellants and innovative guidance systems.
Do you work with government agencies?
We collaborate with NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial clients on propulsion research, Mars sample return missions, and advanced space vehicle development projects.