Nasa has selected a variety of companies to work on projects to create advanced space technologies, including a faster method of propulsion known as Vasimr (illustrated), which could apparently get to Mars in a matter of weeks, not months
- Company in Texas has been asked to develop its revolutionary engine
- Ad Astra’s Vasimr engine could apparently get to Mars in 39 days
- It is one of 12 advanced technology projects to be funded by Nasa
- Others include new types of habitation and small deep space satellites
Nasa has selected a variety of companies to work on projects to create advanced space technologies, including faster methods of propulsion.
Other projects to be worked on include improved habitats for humans, and small satellites to explore deep space.
And one of the companies in the 12 Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextStep) says they have an engine that could get humans to Mars in just 39 days.
The Vasimr engine – which uses plasma as a propellant – is being developed by the Ad Astra Rocket company in Texas.
Their engine shot to fame a few years ago when it was revealed that it could drastically reduce the journey time to Mars from months to weeks – although it may require a nuclear power source.
And following the successful test of a prototype in 2013, it seems Nasa is now considering it for use on a future mission to Mars.
If NASA successfully implements this engine then it will truly revolutionize whole Space Frontier. Imagine how easy it will become to explore near earth objects. Moreover, It will help to colonize mars in much faster rate.
Source : Dailymail
In this age of budget cutting politicians, this kind of venture appears the way to go.
My son is reading “The Martian” right now and says it’s a great book. I think it’s soon to be on my pile of “to read.”
Haha , I also heard that a film is also in production which is based on this book
Thanks for reading article 🙂