A thermo-chemical nanoparticle generator for the controlled production of nanoparticles, and a method of controllably producing nanoparticles are provided. The combustion of a carbon based propellant under the controlled variation of combustion parameters (temperature, pressure and stoichiometry) allows for the production of ionized nanoparticles of a defined mass. In addition, with the assistance of a high voltage generator a combined ionized gas-/solid particle plasma stream can be produced, which can accelerated in an acceleration tube to high emission velocities allowing for applications of the invention ranging from spacecraft propulsion to plasma welding.