NASA's Technology Transfer Program is licensing a new form of propulsion using electromagnets to control plasma flow over aircraft and spacecraft at hypersonic speeds.

The technology involves two electrodes and an electromagnet on the heat shield to capture the electrical charge in the ionized gas flow outside the craft.

The captured charge can either power a battery or an electromagnetic coil, which can regulate the gas flow around the vehicle, thereby reducing drag or steering the vehicle.

This technology was developed at NASA's Langley Research Center and has been tested in a simulated entry into Neptune's atmosphere.

The new technology is simpler than traditional methods and enables new mission architectures for entry, descent, and landing.

NASA invites interested companies to apply for licensing the technology.

The U.S. Department of Defense is also exploring methods for steering and reducing drag on hypersonic vehicles.