+ - Using VASIMR Could Cut Moon Trip to 39 Days->
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An anonymous reader writes "It would take about 39 days to reach Mars, compared to six months by conventional rocket power. “This engine is in fact going to be tested on the International Space Station, launched about 2013,” astronaut Chris Hadfield said. The Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR®) http://www.adastrarocket.com/VASIMR.html system encompasses three linked magnetic cells. The "Plasma Source" cell involves the main injection of neutral gas (typically hydrogen, or other light gases) to be turned into plasma and the ionization subsystem. The "RF Booster" cell acts as an amplifier to further energize the plasma to the desired temperature using electromagnetic waves. The "Magnetic Nozzle" cell converts the energy of the plasma into directed motion and ultimately useful thrust."
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Using VASIMR Could Cut Moon Trip to 39 Days More Login
Using VASIMR Could Cut Moon Trip to 39 Days