User:SimonHarvey/Sandbox/Plasma propulsion engine

(tag removed) merge|Ion thruster|date=May 2008}}

A plasma propulsion engine is a kind of Ion thruster which uses plasma in some or all parts of the thrust generation process instead of just using ions. Though far less powerful than conventional rocket engines, plasma engines are able to operate at higher efficiencies and for longer periods of time. Plasma engines are better suited for long-distance inter-planetary space travel missions.

Plasma propulsion engines were first developed by Russia during 1963-1965 to propel spacecraft to Mars. In more recent years, many agencies have developed several forms of plasma fueled engines, including the European Space Agency, Iranian Space Agency and Australian National University, which have co-developed a more advanced type described as a double layer thruster. However, this form of plasma engine is only one of many types.

Magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters
Magnetoplasmadynamic thrusters (MPD) use

VASIMR
VASIMR, or Variable specific impulse magnetoplasma rocket, works by using a magnetic field to accelerate plasma out of the back of the rocket to provide propulsion.