Chethana Janith, Jadetimes Staff
C. Janith is a Jadetimes news reporter and sub-editor covering science and geopolitics.
This engine runs on hydrogen, propelling charged particles like electrons and protons to an impressive speed of 100 km/s (62 miles/s).
Rosatom scientists have announced the development of a plasma electric rocket engine that they claim could send spacecraft to Mars in just one to two months.
As reported by Russia’s Izvestia newspaper, unlike traditional rocket engines that rely on fuel combustion, this innovative propulsion system utilizes a magnetic plasma accelerator and promises to reduce interplanetary travel time significantly.
“A plasma rocket motor is a type of electric motor. It is based on two electrodes. Charged particles are passed between them, and at the same time a high voltage is applied to the electrodes,” Egor Biriulin, a junior researcher at Rosatom’s scientific institute in Troitsk, told Izvestia.
“As a result, the current creates a magnetic field that pushes the particles out of the engine. Thus, the plasma receives directional motion and creates thrust.”
Plasma propulsion offers unprecedented speeds
Under this approach, hydrogen is used as fuel, and the engine accelerates charged particles – electrons and protons – to a speed of 100 km/s (62 miles/s).
“In traditional power units, the maximum velocity of matter flow is about 4.5 km/s, which is due to the conditions of fuel combustion. In contrast, in our engine, the working body is charged particles that are accelerated by an electromagnetic field,” said Alexei Voronov, first deputy general director for science at the Troitsk Institute, as reported by Izvestia.
A faster journey to Mars would not only increase efficiency but also minimize the risks associated with prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation for astronauts.
A laboratory prototype of the engine has already been developed at Rosatom’s Troitsk Institute. This prototype will be subjected to extensive ground testing to refine its operational modes and pave the way for the creation of a flight model, expected to be ready by 2030.
“The engine operates in pulse-periodic mode. Its power is about 300 kW. Earlier, the engine resource of more than 2400 hours was justified, which is enough for a transportation operation to Mars,” Konstantin Gutorov, the project’s scientific adviser, told the Russian newspaper.
Testing of plasma engine
A specialized experimental stand has been built to simulate the conditions of space, reported World Nuclear News. This 4-meter diameter, 14-meter long chamber is equipped with advanced sensors, vacuum pumping systems, and heat removal mechanisms.
While the initial launch into orbit will rely on traditional chemical rockets, the plasma engine will be activated once the spacecraft reaches its designated orbit. This technology could also be incorporated into space tugs used for transporting cargo between planets.
The engine’s design involves two electrodes with a high voltage applied across them. As charged particles pass between the electrodes, a magnetic field is created, propelling the particles out of the engine and generating thrust.
“Another positive feature of the new installation – in the proposed mechanism, the plasma does not need to be strongly heated. As a result, parts and components of the engine do not experience temperature overloads, and the electrical energy used for its operation is almost completely converted into motion,” concluded Biriulin.
With a calculated thrust of approximately 6N, the highest among comparable projects, the engine is expected to enable smooth acceleration and deceleration phases during interplanetary travel.
While these developments are promising, it’s important to note that peer-reviewed scientific papers or detailed technical documentation are yet to be published to verify these claims independently.
Future of space propulsion
The arena of space propulsion technology has been witnessing several advances. Recently, an Italy-based research team revealed that they are working on developing a space propulsion system that will use water as fuel.
Scientists are also testing the concept of lightsails that use the pressure from lasers or starlight to propel spacecraft. However, it must be noted that these technologies are still in their nascent stages, and it may take years before they can be used in real-world missions.
Hydrogen propellant: The Russian engine uses hydrogen gas as its propellant, which is ionized into plasma. Hydrogen’s light atomic mass allows for very efficient acceleration to high speeds.
Pulsed-periodic mode operation: The prototype operates at an average power of about 300 kW in pulsed mode, suggesting it will need a powerful nuclear reactor in space.
Magnetic plasma acceleration: Electromagnetic fields accelerate and confine the plasma, eliminating the need for a traditional nozzle and helping to reduce thermal loads on the engine.
Engine configuration: Tested on the ground in a vacuum, the prototype is not meant for atmospheric launch. Rosatom aims for a flight-ready engine by around 2030. A large vacuum chamber - 4 m in diameter by 14 m long - is being built to simulate space-like conditions.
The Rosatom design - around 6 N thrust at 300 kW with exhaust velocities near 100 km/s, could greatly shorten interplanetary travel times if reactor integration and thermal management challenges are addressed. Other researchers are also working to get to Mars in under two months, including at NASA.
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