Russian scientists at Rosatom's Troitsk Institute are developing a plasma propulsion system that could change space travel. The new plasma rocket engine is poised to accelerate spacecraft to speeds of up to 100 kilometers per second (62 miles per second), reducing travel time to Mars from years to just 30 to 60 days.
"In traditional engines, the maximum lapse rate of matter is about 4.5 km/s due to the conditions of fuel combustion. In contrast, in our engine, the working body is charged particles that are accelerated by an electromagnetic field, which makes it possible to achieve much higher speeds," said Alexei Voronov, Deputy General Director for Science at the Troitsk Institute.
The plasma rocket engine prototype is currently being tested in a vacuum chamber that simulates the conditions of space, measuring 14 meters long and 4 meters in diameter, according to Izvestia. This chamber allows the recreation of the space environment to test the engine's resistance and efficiency under realistic conditions, VnExpress reported. However, the project is still in the laboratory phase, and the outside world has not yet seen the thruster in operation or verified its performance.
"Currently, a prototype of the engine has been prepared. It is intended for ground tests and testing various operating modes of the engine. According to the plan, a flight sample of the unit will appear in 2030," said Konstantin Gutorov, the scientific consultant of the project.
The engine operates by accelerating charged particles—electrons and protons—to high velocities using electromagnetic fields. The magnetic plasma accelerator functions between two electrodes, where charged particles are propelled by a high electric voltage. When high voltage is applied, it generates a current that creates a magnetic field, which expels ionized particles at high speed out of the combustion chamber, producing thrust.
Egor Biryulin, a representative involved in the project, explained the mechanism: "Through the current, a magnetic field is created that pushes the particles out of the engine. This gives the plasma a directed movement and generates thrust."
This technology offers advantages over traditional chemical rockets, which are limited by the physical constraints of combustion. Traditional engines reach material flow speeds of only 4.5 km/s. In comparison, the plasma engine can accelerate particles to 100 km/s, as noted by Gizmodo. Additionally, the engine utilizes lighter propellants like hydrogen instead of heavy chemical fuels, increasing efficiency and engine lifespan, according to SciencePost.
The potential impact on space exploration is considerable. These "nuclear tugs" could lay the groundwork for establishing extraterrestrial habitats and support ambitious space projects, potentially revolutionizing interplanetary cargo transport, particularly between Earth and Mars. The continuous acceleration provided by plasma engines reduces exposure to cosmic hazards and stress for astronauts, shortening expedition times and minimizing the risk of long-term cosmic radiation exposure.
However, critics are awaiting independent verification of the plasma propulsion system's capabilities. Extensive testing and validation are required to confirm its performance and safety before practical application. "The lack of publication limits the possibility of independent verification," SciencePost noted. "The results obtained have not yet been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals."
Powering the plasma propulsion system may require a compact nuclear power plant, introducing safety and regulatory challenges, which would increase complexity and costs. Additionally, the engine cannot help spacecraft leave Earth's atmosphere; chemical rockets will still be used to launch spacecraft into orbit.
The challenge also lies in integrating plasma engine technology with existing spacecraft systems, and there are concerns about the complexity of this integration. Despite these challenges, the unveiling of Russia's plasma electric rocket engine marks an advance in space exploration technology and is expected to redefine cosmic exploration.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.