He referred to the concept as a "sunship". He is considered as one of the pioneers of electric propulsion having, among many contributions, authored the classic textbook Ion Propulsion for Space Flight (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964). In 2005, he was honored by the Electric Rocket Propulsion Society, and awarded its highest honor "The Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Electric Propulsion", which was renamed the Stuhlinger Medal shortly following his death.
He used the term "sunship" to describe a concept. He is recognized as one of the pioneers of electric propulsion, having authored the influential textbook "Ion Propulsion for Space Flight" (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1964). In 2005, he was honored by the Electric Rocket Propulsion Society and received their highest award, now known as the Stuhlinger Medal.