VASIMR PROPULTION ENGINE

4/28/2020

The Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) is the newest propulsion engine being used in space exploration. Not only does VASIMR allow for faster space travel, it has some pretty incredible side benefits, as well. For example, researchers found that VASIMR was able to travel to Mars much more quickly than a contemporary chemical-powered rocket, and then, once there, to refuel on Mars for the return flight to Earth. The VASIMR engine also helps protect astronauts from the dangerous effects of radiation during their trip. The VASIMR is currently being used to keep all the World’s Space Stations (WSSF) in orbit without requiring extra fuel to be brought up from Earth.

Chang-Diaz’s VASIMR is a plasma-based propulsion system. An electric power source is used to ionize fuel, xenon, hydrogen, helium, and deuterium gases, into plasma. Electric fields heat and accelerate the plasma while the magnetic fields direct and focus the plasma in the proper direction as it is ejected from the engine, creating thrust for a spacecraft. Engines can even vary the amount of thrust generated, allowing it to increase or decrease its acceleration. Xenon has to be brought with the craft and its quicker, ‘hotter’ plasma is preferred but in long range applications hydrogen become more preferable because of its abundance in space. Hydrogen is the best-known radiation shield, so the fuel for the VASIMR engine can also be used to protect the crew and cargo from harmful effects of radiation exposure during the flight.

Both solar panels or sails, and nuclear power plants are used for energy sources. Solar for close range and nuclear power plants being proposed emergencies and long range.

This series is also in its infancy but you can watch the progress at the

Gate Series Website by clicking the picture below.