Abstract: A heater/emitter for a rocket engine assembly utilizes a resistance heated wire coil or coils which may also function as a cathode emitter or as a thermal driver for an auxiliary emitter. This heater/emitter may if desired be formed into a bifilar and may be supported by the wire lead itself or by isolated supports. The power leads are located in a lead channel and feature an overwrapping of similar wire material which reduces the internal resistance heating of the lead to increase the electrical conductivity of the supporting lead and increase the thermal conduction thereof to establish a cooler and structurally-stronger lead. A plurality of radiation discs or shields are spaced along the leads to further minimize energy losses from the heater out of the lead channel. The heater/emitter itself is enclosed, except for the lead channel, by a heat exchanger housing.