Rosatom, the Russian state agency for atomic energy, has recently announced the development of an electric plasma engine prototype, a revolutionary technology that could revolutionize the same conception of deep space travel.
The engine developed by the Russian state agency for atomic energy, based on a magnetic plasma accelerator, it offers significant performance, with a push of at least 6 Newton and a specific impulse of at least 100 kilometers per second. This means that the engine can accelerate spacecraft at very high speeds, drastically reducing travel times and improving the efficiency of fuel consumption.
“Currently, a one -way trip to Mars with conventional engines can take almost a year, exposing astronauts to a significant risk of cosmic radiation“, Alexey Voronov said, the first deputy director General for Science at the Rosatom Trotsk Research Institute. “Plasma engines could reduce the duration of flights to just 30-60 days, making the return missions possible on Mars possible. The creation of a prototype represents a fundamental milestone of the project, demonstrating the feasibility of using this type of propulsion for future ‘nuclear tugs’ in space and the possibility of reducing production costs.”
The development of this plasma engine is part of A broader research and development program in the context of nuclear technology in Russia. The country is significantly investing in innovative space technologies, with the aim of strengthening its position in space. The creation of a high -performance plasma engine represents a significant step towards the spatial exploration of the future. This technology could revolutionize interplanetary trips, making them faster, safer and more efficient.