The development of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) was initiated in the late 1970s to address a critical requirement for fast, high-power interplanetary space transportation. While not being a fusion rocket, it nevertheless borrows heavily from that technology and takes advantage of the natural topology of open-ended magnetic systems. In addition to its high power density and high exhaust velocity, VASIMR is capable of "constant power throttling" a feature, which allows in-flight mission-optimization of thrust and specific impulse to enhance performance and reduce trip time. A NASA-led, research team, involving industry, academia and government facilities is pursuing the development of this concept in the United States. The technology can be validated, in the near term, in venues such as the International Space Station, where it can also serve as both a drag compensation device and a plasma contactor for the orbital facility. Other near-Earth applications in the commercial and scientific satellite sectors are also envisioned. This presentation covers the evolution of the VASIMR concept to its present status, as well as recent accomplishments in our understanding of the physics. Approaches and collaborative programs addressing the major technical challenges will also be presented.


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    Titel :

    The Vasimr Engine: Project Status and Recent Accomplishments



    Kongress:

    42nd Aerospace Sciences Meeting ; 2004 ; Reno, NV, United States


    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2004-01-05


    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Konferenz)


    Format :

    Keine Angabe


    Sprache :

    Englisch




    The Vasimr Engine: Project Status and Recent Accomplishments

    Chang Díaz, Franklin / Squire, Jared / Bering, Edgar et al. | AIAA | 2004


    Evolution of the VASIMR Engine

    F. R. Chang-Diaz / J. P. Squire / A. Petro et al. | NTIS | 2001


    The Evolution of the VASIMR Engine

    Chang-Diaz, F. R. / Squire, Jared P. / Petro, Andrew et al. | NTRS | 2001


    VASIMR Performance Results

    Cassady, Leonard / Longmier, Benjamin / Olsen, Chris et al. | AIAA | 2010


    An Overview of the VASIMR ® Engine

    Chang Diaz, Franklin / Squire, Jared P. / Carter, Mark et al. | AIAA | 2018