Russia appears to be on the verge of groundbreaking advancements in space travel technology, potentially paving the way for faster journeys to Mars. Current propulsion systems impose lengthy travel times, ranging from six to twelve months for astronauts to reach the red planet. In response, Rosatom, Russia’s state atomic energy corporation, has introduced an innovative plasma electric rocket engine capable of significantly shortening this journey to a mere 30 to 60 days. This state-of-the-art propulsion system employs a magnetic plasma accelerator, which could dramatically enhance space travel efficiency. Given that Mars is located approximately 140 million miles from Earth, achieving a 30-day trip would necessitate an extraordinary average speed of 195,000 miles per hour. A swifter journey not only optimizes mission efficiency but also minimizes astronauts’ exposure to harmful cosmic radiation.

The groundbreaking plasma engine utilizes a technique involving the acceleration of particles between two high-voltage electrodes. The interplay between the electric current and the resulting magnetic field propels these particles, generating consistent thrust for the engine. With an average output of 300 kW, this advanced system is poised to achieve significantly higher speeds compared to traditional rocket engines.

“A plasma rocket motor can be classified as an electric motor. It operates using two electrodes. Charged particles are transmitted between them, and a high voltage is simultaneously applied,” reflects Egor Biriulin, a junior researcher at Rosatom’s scientific institute. “This process creates a magnetic field that ejects the particles from the engine, resulting in directional plasma motion and thrust production,” he added.

The engine is designed to run on hydrogen, which reduces the risk of overheating since the plasma does not require high-temperature heating to operate efficiently. Scientists anticipate a thrust output of around 6 Newtons, a notable improvement over existing technologies, facilitating smoother acceleration and deceleration between planetary bodies.

Rosatom’s Troitsk Institute has successfully developed a laboratory prototype of this engine, which is slated for ground testing aimed at producing a flight model by 2030. The research team has constructed an experimental facility replicating space conditions to rigorously evaluate the engine’s performance. This 4-meter by 14-meter chamber is outfitted with sophisticated sensors, vacuum systems, and heat dissipation technologies to facilitate comprehensive testing, providing valuable insights into the project’s scope and budget.

The current plan involves utilizing conventional chemical rocket technology to launch the spacecraft into orbit. Once it reaches its designated orbit, the plasma engine will be engaged. If this approach proves successful, it could revolutionize efficiency across various space missions.

Russia’s efforts are echoed internationally, with countries like Italy exploring alternative propulsion technologies. At the University of Bologna, researchers are investigating propulsion systems that utilize water as fuel, striving to create a more sustainable approach to space travel. The Water-based Electric Thrusters (WET) initiative aims to transform water into plasma, generating thrust through electrical energy. “The WET project seeks to leverage water as a propellant, converting it to plasma and employing the energy produced to create kinetic thrust,” the research team elaborates.

Successfully utilizing water as a fuel source could enable in-space refueling, allowing spacecraft to carry less initial fuel, subsequently reducing weight and enabling longer missions. The team believes it may be possible to harvest water from celestial bodies such as the moon or asteroids. Additionally, shifting to water as an alternative to conventional jet fuels would be significantly more environmentally friendly, contributing to the decarbonization of space endeavors.

Meanwhile, the European Union is actively pursuing a range of propulsion technologies. The RocketRoll project, led by a consortium that includes prominent aerospace and nuclear entities such as Tractebel, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), ArianeGroup, Airbus, and Frazer Nash, is assessing the viability of using electric nuclear propulsion (NEP). This method harnesses a nuclear power reactor to power electric ion thrusters by ionizing a gas and propelling the resulting ions to produce thrust.

If proven effective, this approach could enhance fuel efficiency significantly compared to traditional systems and decrease Mars travel time by up to 60 percent. The consortium has outlined a roadmap for NEP technology, envisioning the development of a demonstrator spacecraft to test these systems for future space missions by 2035.

Although these innovative space propulsion systems hold tremendous promise, most are still undergoing testing, indicating that it may be several years before tangible results are observed. Nevertheless, with increased investment in research and development, there is optimism that significant advancements in space travel efficiency and safety will emerge in the coming decades.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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