Russian Researchers Develop Plasma Engine for Mars Missions, Potentially Ready by 2030
Russian scientists at Rosatom's Troitsk Institute are testing a plasma propulsion system designed to reduce Mars travel time to one or two months. Currently in ground trials, the engine could be space-ready by 2030.
This system uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate hydrogen particles, achieving speeds of up to 100 kilometers per second, significantly faster than conventional chemical rockets. It operates in a pulse-periodic mode at 300 kilowatts and has demonstrated a service life of 2,400 hours, sufficient for a complete Mars mission.
The plasma engine will not launch from Earth but will activate once in low-Earth orbit, where it may also serve as a space tug. The design incorporates a nuclear reactor for power and highlights hydrogen's benefits for acceleration and potential in-situ refueling. While promising, the engine's deployment timeline relies on successful testing and funding, with a flight-ready version anticipated by 2030.
