Russia is making strides in space travel technology. The country has potentially developed a system that could make trips to Mars much faster. Currently, reaching Mars can take about a year due to limitations in propulsion systems. However, Rosatom, Russia’s atomic energy corporation, has created a plasma electric rocket engine that might shorten this journey to just 30 to 60 days. This innovative engine uses a magnetic plasma accelerator, aiming to speed up space travel significantly. Considering Mars is approximately 140 million miles away, this would require an average speed of around 195,000 miles per hour. Not only would this improve efficiency, but it would also reduce astronauts’ exposure to harmful cosmic radiation.
The plasma engine operates by accelerating particles between two electrodes using high voltage. The electric current interacts with a magnetic field, pushing particles out of the engine and creating thrust. With a power output of 300 kW, it promises much higher speeds compared to traditional systems.
Egor Biriulin, a junior researcher at Rosatom, explained that the engine functions like an electric motor. It involves passing charged particles between electrodes while applying a high voltage. This process produces a magnetic field that helps propel the particles, generating thrust.
This plasma engine runs on hydrogen, which allows it to function without reaching extreme temperatures. This characteristic lowers the risk of temperature-related failures. Scientists predict the engine will produce thrust around 6 Newtons, which is much higher than current propulsion methods, ensuring smoother acceleration and deceleration between planets.
A laboratory prototype has been built at Rosatom’s Troitsk Institute and will undergo testing to refine a flight model by 2030. The team has created a 4×14 meter experimental chamber to simulate space conditions, equipped with advanced sensors and heat management systems. These tests will provide insights into the project’s scope and costs.
Initially, conventional chemical rockets will launch the spacecraft into orbit. Once in position, the plasma engine will take over, potentially enhancing the efficiency of other missions.
Russia isn’t alone in exploring new propulsion technologies. In Italy, researchers at the University of Bologna are looking into a system that uses water as fuel. Their project, known as Water-based Electric Thrusters (WET), aims to turn water into plasma for thrust. If successful, this could allow for in-space refueling, reducing the amount of fuel needed for long missions and making space travel more environmentally friendly.
Meanwhile, the European Union is also investigating new technologies. The RocketRoll project involved top aerospace and nuclear firms exploring electric nuclear propulsion (NEP). This system would use a nuclear reactor to power electric ion thrusters, increasing fuel efficiency significantly and cutting Mars travel time by about 60%. The plan includes creating a demonstrator spacecraft for flight tests by 2035.
Although many of these innovative propulsion systems are still in the testing phase, the ongoing research gives hope for safer and more efficient space travel in the future.
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