Question by Rob: Can some one tell me about VASIMR Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket?
The only thing I can dig up is
((( The Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) is an electro-magnetic thruster for spacecraft propulsion. It uses radio waves to ionize and heat a propellant and magnetic fields to accelerate the resulting plasma to generate thrust. It is one of several types of spacecraft electric propulsion systems. )))
It sounds like it uses radio waves to heat a propellant and magnetic fields.Does this have high thrust and high and high-specific impulse> Can this go almost the speed of light ?
Can this take up 10 or 15 people to the space station? How many people can this hold?
I hear there 3 types of VASIMR a plane/ rocket combo and rocket type and may be a SSTO.
Best answer:
Answer by lithiumdeuteride
Ion engine exhaust velocity is very high, giving it very good efficiency (as measured by specific impulse). However, the thrust is very low, making the engine totally useless for getting out of an atmosphere such as Earth’s. Ion engines like these are only good for orbital maneuvers, but they are much better than chemical rockets for such maneuvers.
Chemical rockets have very high thrust, but their specific impulse is low, so they run out of fuel more quickly (or alternatively, they must more fuel mass to accomplish the same maneuver).
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