View single post by Joe Kelley
 Posted: Fri Jun 15th, 2007 05:02 pm
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Joe Kelley

 

Joined: Mon Nov 21st, 2005
Location: California USA
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 http://space.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn12064&feedId=tech_rss20

The engine works by stripping electrons from hydrogen atoms and accelerating the resulting plasma in an electric field. Expelling the plasma out of the back of the engine generates thrust. The technique is known as Variable Specific-Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) technology, and was conceived in the 1970s.