Russian Plasma Engine Could Cut Mars Travel Time by 80% 🔥
The Debrief
Feb 17, 2025
8 min read
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Summary
Rosatom has unveiled a prototype plasma rocket engine they claim could reduce Mars travel time by 80%. The technology uses electromagnetic acceleration to propel hydrogen at speeds up to 100 km/s, generating 6 Newtons of thrust with 10x improved fuel efficiency. Ground testing is ongoing with a 2027 target for implementation.
Mentioned in this article
Organizations
Rosatom developer
MOKB Mars research
Sarov Institute research
JSC SNIIP engineering
Key People
Alexey Voronov First Deputy Director General for Science
Technologies
plasma electric rocket engine prototype
magnetic plasma accelerator testing
space nuclear tug planned
Facilities
Troitsk Research Institute research_facility
14-meter vacuum chamber testing_facility
Timeline
Phase: prototype_testing
Target:
2027
Current:
2025-02-17