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TOPIC: VASIMR

Blobrana

L

Posts: 131433

Date: Nov 20 02:26 2009

RE: VASIMR	Permalink

Costa Rican creates plasma rocket to pick up space trash Franklin Chang Diaz has great aspirations for his rocket: a mail-carrier for outer space, a garbage truck for orbital debris and, the ultimate goal, a shuttle to Mars. Read more __________________

Blobrana

L

Posts: 131433

Date: Oct 7 21:53 2009

VASIMR Plasma Rocket	Permalink

The Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) system encompasses three linked magnetic cells. The "Plasma Source" cell involves the main injection of neutral gas (typically hydrogen, or other light gases) to be turned into plasma and the ionisation subsystem. The "RF Booster" cell acts as an amplifier to further energize the plasma to the desired temperature using electromagnetic waves. The "Magnetic Nozzle" cell converts the energy of the plasma into directed motion and ultimately useful thrust. Source Scientists Firing The VASIMR Plasma Rocket Click to Play \| View Details __________________

Blobrana

L

Posts: 131433

Date: Oct 6 00:32 2009

VASIMR	Permalink

Since 2005, the Ad Astra Rocket Company of Webster, Texas, has been working to perfect a type of engine it calls VASIMR (Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket). It uses radio waves to heat argon gas, turning it into a hot plasma a state of matter in which electrons are no longer bound to atomic nuclei. Magnetic fields then squirt the superheated plasma out the back of the engine, producing thrust in the opposite direction. Read more __________________

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