| Solar power can be efficiently used for near-Earth VASIMRTM missions, such as drag compensation for space stations, lunar cargo transport and in-space refueling. Recent advances in solar array technology promises increases in solar power utilization by an order of magnitude.  |
Technology The VASIMRTM has two additional important features that distinguish it from other plasma propulsion systems: 1. Ability to vary the exhaust parameters (thrust and specific impulse) in order to optimally match mission requirements. This results in the lowest trip time with the highest payload for a given fuel load. 2. VASIMRTM is driven by electromagnetic (RF) waves and has no physical material electrodes in contact with the hot plasma. This results in greater reliability and longer life and enables a much higher power density than competing designs. Coupled with nuclear power this new type of rocket technology could dramatically shorten human transit times between planets (less than 3 months to Mars) and propel robotic cargo missions with a very large payload mass fraction. Trip times and payload mass are major limitations of conventional and nuclear thermal rockets because of their inherently low specific impulse (less than 1000 seconds). |
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