Could This Engine That Runs On Plasma Get Us To Mars?

Here is a bit more information on how this thruster works.  The basic technology has been known for a few decades but they made some improvements:

Known as a Hall thruster, these engines have been operating in space since 1971, and are now routinely flown on communication satellites and space probes to adjust their orbits when needed. These things are awesome, and scientists want to use them to get humans to Mars, except there’s one – rather large – problem: the current lifespan of a Hall thruster is around 10,000 operation hours, and that’s way too short for most space exploration missions, which require upwards of 50,000 hours.

What do you think?  Is this a reasonable way to get people to Mars?  And if we did that, what would the purpose be and what would be the best things to do first?  Feel free to comment with your ideas.

thanks to aip.org for the great info

thanks to sciencealert.com for the great info

thanks to CNRS for the pic



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5 Comments

  2. Ryan Christopher Carroll said:

    I think lithium ion would be better than a plasma pulse Engine. Just like a Tie Fighter, Tie meaning twin ion engine. It would be a more reliable fuel source and better mobility/ performance. My opinion is the science and astro dynamics is slightly more practical for the tech the human race has on hand.

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