Is the Russian plasma engine real?
Rosatom has developed a prototype plasma rocket engine that could significantly reduce space travel times, according to a news release. The engine, powered by a magnetic plasma accelerator, produces six newtons of thrust, equivalent to the force of holding a small apple. Russia’s state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom has developed a prototype plasma rocket engine, a device that the company says could drastically shorten space travel times.Russia has developed a cutting-edge nuclear-powered plasma engine that could reduce travel time to mars to just 30–60 days. Unlike traditional rocket engines, this new system uses a magnetic plasma accelerator to shoot charged particles at speeds reaching 100 km/s.
How fast can a plasma rocket go?
According to Russia’s Izvestia newspaper the engine thrust will be about 6N and researchers say the propulsion system will be able to accelerate particles (charged electrons and protons) to a speed of 100 km/s. This will allow spacecraft to make interplanetary flights and even go beyond the solar system. The engine operates in a pulse-periodic mode, with a power output of 300 kW, and has demonstrated a lifespan of 2,400 hours, long enough for a Mars-bound journey. Once operational, the plasma engine will not replace traditional chemical rockets but will instead take over once a spacecraft reaches orbit.Russia’s plasma engine could reach Mars in 30 days, drastically reduce space travel time. This engine utilizes hydrogen as fuel, accelerating charged particles—electrons and protons—to a remarkable speed of 100 km/s (62 miles/s).