Plasma Rockets have been long discussed to be better alternatives to the conventional thrusters used for space flights, but so long, the plasma rockets haven’t really gone much ahead on the path. Now, a development by Ad Astra rocket company, the...
Plasma Rockets have been long discussed to be better alternatives to the conventional thrusters used for space flights, but so long, the plasma rockets haven’t really gone much ahead on the path. Now, a development by Ad Astra rocket company, the VASIMR rocket could really give a thrust to the Plasma Rockets. The company’s VASIMR VX-200 engine can generate 201kW in a vacuum chamber, and is now scheduled to be tested aboard the ISS in 2013.
The VASIMR (Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket) makes use of magnetic fields to force plasma out, and provide the required thrust for the engine. The tech uses light, and lighter and cheaper argon, neon and hydrogen as fuel. Ad Astra’s future plans include creating a more powerful engine, one that would generate 10 to 20 Megawatts of power, and would propel shuttles and manned missions to Mars. This journey would take just 39 days, as compared to the six months time conventional missions would take.
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