NASA, in collaboration with a technology company, is advancing the creation of a plasma rocket that could significantly reduce the travel time to Mars to just two months, compared to the nine months currently required. This advance promises to transform missions to the Red Planet.
Futuristic projects
Additionally, NASA, through its Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program, has decided to financially support six futuristic projects, including this propulsion system. Among other selected innovations are a lunar railway system and fluid-powered telescopes. John Nelson, NIAC program executive, has described these projects as ideas straight out of science fiction, highlighting their innovative potential.
The pulsed plasma rocket design is being led by Howe Industries in Arizona. This propellant would work through nuclear fission, which releases energy when atoms split, creating plasma packets that propel the ship . This method would allow higher speeds to be reached in less time, offering exceptionally high fuel efficiency.
Plasma rocket with more power and less risk
In technical terms, the rocket would generate a thrust of up to 22,481 pounds of force (100,000 Newtons) with a specific impulse (Isp) of 5,000 seconds. This proposal is not completely new, as NASA had started a similar project in 2018 called Pulsed Fission-Fusion (PuFF), using z-Pinch technology to compress plasmas. However, the new design is more compact, simpler and cheaper.
A crucial aspect of this system is its ability to minimize astronauts’ exposure to space radiation and microgravity, two of the biggest challenges in extended space travel. In addition, it would allow the transportation of heavier ships, which could be equipped with additional protection against cosmic rays, directly benefiting the crew.
Phase 2: Evaluation
In Phase 2 of the NIAC, technical aspects of the rocket will be evaluated, such as the neutronics of the system, the design of the spacecraft and its subsystems, and the capabilities of the magnetic nozzles. These studies will help define the trajectories and advantages of this advanced technology.
It is essential to consider that this type of technology benefits missions to Mars, and could be applied to future explorations of other astronomical destinations, possibly shortening the time needed to reach more distant celestial bodies and facilitating more extensive and detailed space exploration.
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Source: gizmodo
Photo: howeindustries
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