MT Magazine September/October 2024

Building Satellite Thrusters — In Michigan While Michigan is commonly associated with cars, an innovative company in the state’s Upper Peninsula is producing thrusters based on advanced ion propulsion technology. (Yes, you read that right.)

BY GARY S. VASILASH CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Joe Panella’s career has been steeped in manufacturing. Reliability engineer for General Motors’ former Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant (now Factory Zero). Project manager for a crankshaft machining line for a Cummins engine factory. Plant manager of a Garrett turbocharger facility. Strategist for the Meritor commercial braking systems business. You might imagine Panella would be working today in some segment of the auto industry or in some other high-volume manufacturing associated with Detroit.