Sergey Macheret has spent decades at the forefront of plasma science and aerospace engineering. From his early days in Moscow to leading innovative research at US Plasma Engineering LLC, his work has influenced everything from high-speed flight to energy conversion. We sat down with Macheret to discuss his career, his groundbreaking discoveries, and the future of plasma technology.
Early Days in Plasma Science
Sergey, what initially drew you to plasma science?
I’ve always been fascinated by the way molecules and atoms interact and how we can control it. Plasma science is all about that—understanding and managing energy at a fundamental level. In high-speed flows, what happens with molecules really counts, and plasma science allows us to manipulate conditions in ways that were once thought impossible.
You earned your Ph.D. from the Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy. What was that experience like?
It was a fantastic place for a young scientist. The Kurchatov Institute was a hub for cutting-edge research in plasma physics and nuclear energy. I was surrounded by some of the best minds in the field. The work I did there—particularly on chemically reacting plasmas—set the foundation for much of my later research.
Applying Plasma Science to Aerospace
You’ve contributed significantly to plasma applications in aerospace. What are some of your most important discoveries?
One of my key contributions is the Macheret-Fridman model of molecular dissociation, which helps analyze how molecules interact in high-speed, high-temperature environments. This is crucial for hypersonic flight, where vehicles travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5. If we don’t understand how air behaves at those speeds, we can’t build efficient aircraft or spacecraft.
I have also contributed to the development of novel methods of aerodynamic control with plasmas and to plasma-enhanced hypersonic propulsion.
Your work in magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is also well known. Can you explain its significance?
MHD deals with how magnetic fields interact with conducting fluids, like ionized air around a hypersonic vehicle. By controlling these interactions, we can potentially reduce drag, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance performance of hypersonic airbreathing propulsion. This has applications in everything from scramjet propulsion to boundary layer control on high-speed aircraft.
Bridging Academia and Industry
You’ve worked in both academia and industry, including at Princeton, Lockheed Martin, and Purdue. How have these roles shaped your perspective?
Academia is where fundamental research happens. At Princeton, I spent 12 years studying plasma interactions in controlled environments. Then, at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, I got to apply those theories to real aerospace projects.
At Purdue, I had the opportunity to teach and mentor students while continuing research on plasma aerodynamics and plasma-based tunable radio-frequency systems. Teaching is rewarding because you get to see young engineers push boundaries in ways you never expected.
What was the most exciting project you worked on during your time at Lockheed Martin?
I can’t discuss specifics due to the nature of the work, but I can say this: I worked in a wonderful environment where game-changing innovation was encouraged, and due to the Skunk Works culture, the pace of innovation was incredible. A small group of highly skilled and motivated researchers and engineers was able to accomplish more in a month than a typical academic group would accomplish in years.
Plasma-Driven Innovation and Future Applications
You are now the Co-Founder and CEO of US Plasma Engineering LLC. What is your focus there?
Our goal is to turn plasma science into practical solutions. We are working primarily on plasma applications to chemical synthesis, agriculture, etc. Some of our methods are spinoffs from aerospace plasma technologies.
Can you share an example of an innovation your company is developing?
We’re looking at novel technology of nitrogen fixation that would affect how we produce nitrogen compounds needed in everything from fertilizers to rocket fuel.
Recognitions and Leadership in Aerospace
Your contributions have earned you significant recognition, including being named a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and receiving the Plasmadynamics and Lasers Award in 2022. How do you view these honors?
It’s always an honor to be recognized by your peers and to join an elite group of AIAA Fellows. But science is always moving forward. There’s always another problem to solve, another experiment to run. I don’t dwell on awards; I focus on what’s next.
The Next Frontier in Plasma Science
What do you see as the biggest challenges in aerospace and plasma science today?
The biggest challenge is bridging the gap between theory and application. We know plasma science has huge potential, but implementing plasma technologies at scale is complex. Aerospace companies and researchers need to work together to turn these ideas into operational systems.
What advice would you give to young scientists and engineers entering the field?
Be curious. Don’t be afraid to question assumptions. The best breakthroughs happen when someone asks, “What if we did this differently?”
If you could go back in time, what would you tell your younger self?
Keep going. There were moments when I thought a problem was unsolvable, but persistence always pays off. Science is about patience, iteration, and sometimes failing a hundred times before you find the right answer.
Final Thoughts
With everything you’ve accomplished, what motivates you to keep pushing forward?
I just want to understand how the universe works—and then use that knowledge to build something useful. That’s what drives me every day.
As Sergey Macheret continues to pioneer advancements in plasma science and hypersonic technology, his legacy will shape the future of aerospace for years to come. Whether in academia, industry, or research, his work remains at the cutting edge of innovation.