The future of space travel could be much faster and more efficient thanks to a new propulsion system NASA is working on. In collaboration with the technology development company Howe Industries, the US space agency is developing a revolutionary pulsed plasma rocket. It could get astronauts to Mars in just two months, versus the current nine required with conventional propulsion systems.
The prospect could pave the way for faster, safer and more ambitious space missions, bringing closer the dream of exploring the Red Planet and establishing a permanent human presence in deep space.
Pulsed plasma rocket, a radically new approach
Unlike conventional systems, which rely on the combustion of chemical propellants, this innovative system would exploit nuclear fission to generate high-speed plasma packets. Essentially, the rocket would produce a controlled jet of plasma to propel itself through space, reaching high speeds in shorter times than traditional rockets.
According to NASA, the pulsed plasma propulsion system would be capable of generate thrust of up to 100,000 Newtons (10,200 kg of force) with a specific impulse (Isp) of 5,000 secondsensuring extraordinarily high fuel efficiency.
Benefits for manned missions
Reducing travel times is not just a matter of convenience, but has important implications for the safety and well-being of astronauts. Shorter periods of exposure to cosmic radiation and microgravity could in fact help mitigate the negative effects of these factors on human health during long space journeys.
Furthermore, due to its high efficiency, the pulsed plasma rocket would be capable of carrying much heavier spacecraft. Spaceships that could be equipped with protective shields against galactic cosmic rays for the crew on board. This could help make missions to Mars not only faster, but also safer for astronauts.
Future challenges and prospects
Despite its promising potential, the development of the pulsed plasma rocket is not without its challenges. Phase 2 of the program NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC)which selected this project for further funding and development, will focus on evaluating the neutronics of the system (how the motion of the spacecraft interacts with the plasma), on the design of the spacecraft, the power system and the necessary subsystems, on the analysis of the capabilities of the magnetic nozzle and the determination of the trajectories and benefits of the pulsed plasma rocket.
Technical, safety and feasibility issues will need to be addressed before this revolutionary propulsion system can be implemented in real missions. However, if successful, the pulsed plasma rocket could pave the way for much more accessible and achievable space travel (not just to Mars).
Pulsed plasma rocket, colonies closer (or less distant, you name it)
Now the ball is in NASA’s court and its partners. They will have to demonstrate not only the feasibility of the pulsed plasma rocket, but also its reliability and its ability to meet the stringent requirements of manned space missions.
If they are successful, however, a new era will open. Shorter journeys and heavier loads mean only one thing: green light for human settlements on the red planet.
