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Plasma Rocket Successful Full Power Test

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the to-infinity-and-beyond dept.

Matt_dk writes "VASIMR is a new high-power plasma-based space propulsion technology, initially studied by NASA and now being developed privately by Ad Astra. A VASIMR engine could maneuver payloads in space far more efficiently and with much less propellant than today's chemical rockets. Ultimately, VASIMR engines could also greatly shorten robotic and human transit times for missions to Mars and beyond."

9 of 169 comments (clear)

  1. Plasma Rockets Suck. by TheRealZero · · Score: 5, Funny

    LCD rockets have sharper colors.

    1. Re:Plasma Rockets Suck. by coldmist · · Score: 4, Funny

      Plasmas have deeper blacks, to really show that cosmos better.

      --
      Don't steal. The government hates competition.
    2. Re:Plasma Rockets Suck. by Tubal-Cain · · Score: 4, Funny

      I first read that as "LSD rockets have sharper colors"

    3. Re:Plasma Rockets Suck. by Professr3 · · Score: 3, Funny

      That are guaranteed to fail within 9 years?

    4. Re:Plasma Rockets Suck. by Steve+Baker · · Score: 3, Funny

      I'm still waiting for OLED rockets.

    5. Re:Plasma Rockets Suck. by glittalogik · · Score: 4, Funny

      Mine's coloured in alternating stripes of Happy and D#. How about yours?

  2. Wamprats by Wiarumas · · Score: 3, Funny

    Now if we can only find a pilot that can maneuver down a trench and target a thermal exhaust port 2 meters wide...

    --
    I will bend like a reed in the wind.
  3. Re:Constant Boost? by digitalsolo · · Score: 3, Funny

    {STAR TREK FANBOY}

    You can't go full impulse to full stop in seconds without inertial damping anyway. Duh.

    {/STAR TREK FANBOY}

    --
    Just another ignorant American.
  4. Arrrrrgon? by mfnickster · · Score: 3, Funny

    Q: What's a pirate's favorite rocket propellant?
    A: Arrrrgon!

    Q: What's a pirate's favorite sock pattern?
    A: Arrrrgyle!

    Q: What's a pirate's favorite rating system?
    A: Arrrrbitron!

    Q: What's a pirate's favorite Dudley Moore movie?
    A: Surprisingly, it's 'Micki and Maude'

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    "Slow down, Cowboy! It has been 3 years, 7 months and 26 days since you last successfully posted a comment."