A physicist has devised a new rocket engine propeller concept that could take humans to Mars ten times faster.
The physicist involved, Fatima Ebrahimi, is the inventor of the concept and is part of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) of the US Department of Energy (DOE).
Ebrahimi’s study was published in the Journal of Plasma Physics.
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One of the main differences between Ebrahimi’s new concept and the space-proven is that it uses magnetic fields to repel plasma particles from the back of the rocket. So far, space-saving electric fields have been used to increase plasma.
Plasma is one of the four fundamental states of matter and is made up of gas ions and free electrons. Our Sun is a burning pool of plasma that uses, for example, a fusion reaction.
Current plasma propellers that use electric fields to drive these particles operate only at low speeds. However, Ebrahimi’s new plasma propeller concept was able to exhaust at speeds of hundreds of kilometers per second – or ten times faster than current drivers.
This means that astronauts can reach the outer planets much faster if they are used. The pushers will significantly strengthen the start of the trip and eventually reduce the travel time of the trip.
Ebrahimi pointed out that there are three main differences between her proposed concept for rocket propeller and the existing one. The first one is the use of magnetic fields that provide more range in propulsion. Second, the new concept creates motion as it emits plasma particles and plasmoid; the latter adds extra strength to the screw. And lastly, magnetic fields allow plasma inside the thruster to consist of light or heavy atoms. This allows scientists to adjust the driving force per mission.
“This work is inspired by fusion work from the past and it is the first time that plasmoids and reconnection have been proposed for the propulsion of space, “Ebrahimi said. The next step is to build a prototype, “she continued.