Plasma Rockets: Can we make it to Mars?
(3) CommentsProgram Descriptions:
What if astronauts could take an express voyage to Mars—one that would last not two-and-a-half years but just a few weeks? A new rocket called VASIMR, powered by a million-degree plasma instead of traditional chemicals, could be the answer NASA is looking for—if only its designers could keep the super-hot engine from melting under its own heat.
Yes, plasma rockets, ionic propulsion. Dear readers, please send us links for more info on same.
The opening sequence of this video features a slow cumbersome canoe representing current spaceship technology, by a speedboat, representing advanced technology. This is a great metaphor to apply to fusion technology as well. Current mainline fusion concepts are big and cumbersome. But if we keep trying new things, we may encounter pleasant physics surprises and come up with something small, elegant and nimble.
Note to filmmakers: get permission for this clip in a fusion doc, or film/use a similar metaphor.
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For a more in depth discussion, start a thread in the forums.I watched this about a month ago. Or was it two? There’s also a Q&A with Franklin Chang-Diaz on the site where he recommends the following publicly viewable e-book on the current status of plasma science (as of 2007):
http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=0309109434
Of course, the DPF was also studied as a plasma rocket back in the 90s. And George Miley and others have been studying the use of inertial electrostatic fusion (beginning with Q < 1) for space propulsion:
http://nextbigfuture.com/2011/01/richard-dell-who-is-developing-nuclear.html
Problems abound, unfortunately. A Mars VASIMR rocket looks to need 200MW - 40 Fo-Fu’s in a spacecraft - of course, you could dump the VASIMR and use the Fo-Fu’s for propulsion. Launch from Earth is even trickier. Chances of developing a hypersonic air-breathing space plane are slim to none - Mach 12 in the atmosphere is a big ask. For details of a realistic possibility for a single-stage-to-orbit space plane checkout here: www.reactionengines.co.uk
They’re not using fusion, but they clearly understand planes and rockets.
We need to collaborate with the Mars Artists on this topic.
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