A group of Russian scientists has developed an innovative plasma engine that promises to change how we conceive space travel. This new engine, created by the Troitsk Institute of Rosatom, operates at a power of 300 kW, providing a thrust force of 6 N and reaching speeds of up to 100 km/s. These characteristics make it a highly efficient alternative to current space propulsion engines.
The plasma engine represents a significant improvement compared to conventional ion engines, as it offers constant acceleration instead of relying on inertia. This technological advance is expected to enable faster and more efficient travel in deep space, bringing us one step closer to the possibility of colonizing Mars in the not-so-distant future.
This electric propulsion system uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged particles and generate thrust. Unlike traditional chemical engines, which burn fuel to produce a controlled explosion, the plasma engine ionizes a gas, usually hydrogen, and expels it at high speed using a magnetic field. This revolutionary technology is expected to drastically reduce travel times and bring humanity closer to the possibility of exploring Mars in depth.
The Troitsk Institute of Rosatom plans to conduct additional tests with its plasma engine to evaluate its performance in conditions similar to those in space. With the integration of this engine into future interplanetary missions and the use of a reliable energy source, possibly nuclear, the first spaceflight of a functional model of this engine is expected to take place in 2030.
Hydrogen, used as the main fuel in the plasma engine, offers significant advantages such as its abundance in the universe and its energy efficiency, allowing for faster acceleration and less wear on the engine compared to other propulsion systems. With these technological advancements, the exploration of outer space and the possible colonization of other planets go from being mere fantasies to achievable challenges in the near future.
