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VASIMR Engine

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  • 05-03-2010 10:56pm
    #1
    AugustusMinimus
    Registered Users Posts: 4,553 ✭✭✭


    Reading today that the VASIMR engine is a reality and maybe tested on the ISS within a year or two.

    I seriously never believe that these kind of advanced engines were within reach yet.

    I'm guessing that a nuclear reactor would be needed to power this engine if they to eventually use it to go to Mars in 39 days.


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    #2
    Beeker
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 3,645 Mod ✭✭✭✭Beeker


    AugustusMinimus wrote: »
    Reading today that the VASIMR engine is a reality and maybe tested on the ISS within a year or two.

    I seriously never believe that these kind of advanced engines were within reach yet.

    I'm guessing that a nuclear reactor would be needed to power this engine if they to eventually use it to go to Mars in 39 days.
    It's been in development for many years now and hold great promise for future space travel.
    http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/rocket-engine-mars-trip-100305.html


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    #3
    BULLER
    Registered Users Posts: 340 ✭✭BULLER


    A nuclear powered multi MegaWatt VASIMR engine is undoubtably the future of manned space flight within our solar system. I'm looking forward to the ISS reboost test of the 200kW prototype. Its spacific impulse is so low that after the ISS they plan on developing a space tug that will orbit the earth moving satelites.


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