Plasma propelled space flight

A team of engineers and scientists led by NASA have begun investigating the physics and performance of magnetic nozzles, innovative devices that could support development of plasma-based propulsion systems. Such systems could dramatically reduce travel times to Earth's neighbouring planets and extend the capabilities of future space exploration missions.

The project, initiated in April, is led by the University of Texas at Austin and includes support by the Propulsion Research Center, a key research organisation at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

"The technology we're pursuing could play an important role in NASA's exploration of the Moon, Mars and the rest of the Solar System," said Dr. Greg Chavers, a plasma physicist at Marshall and co-investigator for the new project. "Magnetic nozzles enable a new type of plasma-based propulsion system that could significantly reduce travel times to different planetary destinations, providing a new means of exploring space."