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Russian Researchers Unveil Fast Mars Plasma Propulsion Prototype

10/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation researchers in Troitsk, Russia, developed a plasma propulsion prototype enabling Mars travel in 30 to 60 days.
The engine accelerates ionized hydrogen plasma electromagnetically, producing 6 newtons of thrust—60 times NASA's Dawn ion thruster.
Lab tests reached speeds of 100 kilometers per second, faster than conventional rockets.
Its efficiency comes from converting nuclear-powered electricity into forward motion rather than burning propellant quickly.

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Story summary

Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation researchers in Troitsk, Russia, developed a plasma propulsion prototype enabling Mars travel in 30 to 60 days.
The engine accelerates ionized hydrogen plasma electromagnetically, producing 6 newtons of thrust—60 times NASA's Dawn ion thruster.
Lab tests reached speeds of 100 kilometers per second, faster than conventional rockets.
Its efficiency comes from converting nuclear-powered electricity into forward motion rather than burning propellant quickly.