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VASIMR Ion Engine Could Cut Mars Trip To 39 Days
An anonymous reader writes "It would take about 39 days to reach Mars, compared to six months by conventional rocket power. 'This engine is in fact going to be tested on the International Space Station, launched about 2013,' astronaut Chris Hadfield said. The Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR®) system encompasses three linked magnetic cells. The 'Plasma Source' cell involves the main injection of neutral gas (typically hydrogen, or other light gases) to be turned into plasma and the ionization subsystem. The 'RF Booster' cell acts as an amplifier to further energize the plasma to the desired temperature using electromagnetic waves. The 'Magnetic Nozzle' cell converts the energy of the plasma into directed motion and ultimately useful thrust."
"A new NASA rocket engine" Is VASIMIR really all that new technology. It has been in development for quite a while now, and has gotten quite much publicity in the past few years or so. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but ain't VASIMIR developed private company, not by NASA? Sure, NASA is working together with Ad Astra Rocket Company, but does NASA really deserve all the fame? Anyway, I truly hope that we will be sending a man in Mars in the upcoming years and I think that VASIMIR os one of the best ways of doing so. The problem is that Mars has always seemed to be just a bit under decade away for quite a long while now...
Reactors made for space are loaded with fresh (not radioactive) fuel and designed in such a way that they can't become critical until specifically signaled to do so. If the launch fails, all that will fall to Earth will be a few kilograms of Uranium dust over tens of thousands square miles.