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Magnetoplasmadynamic

All articles tagged with #magnetoplasmadynamic

NASA fires up lithium-fed electric thruster, pushing toward megawatt-scale Mars propulsion
space26 days ago

NASA fires up lithium-fed electric thruster, pushing toward megawatt-scale Mars propulsion

NASA successfully tested a lithium-fed magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster at up to 120 kilowatts—the highest power achieved in U.S. electric propulsion tests—demonstrating the thruster’s viability and laying groundwork for megawatt-class, potentially nuclear-powered propulsion to enable crewed Mars missions; future tests aim to reach 500 kW–1 MW per thruster with multiple units operating for extended durations.

via Gizmodo|
#electric-propulsion#lithium-propellant#magnetoplasmadynamic
NASA Fires Up Lithium Plasma Engine to Accelerate Mars Missions
science27 days ago

NASA Fires Up Lithium Plasma Engine to Accelerate Mars Missions

NASA and JPL successfully fired a lithium-fed magnetoplasmadynamic thruster at 120 kilowatts—the highest power reached by a U.S. electric propulsion system—validating ignition and stable operation at high power and advancing the path to megawatt-class propulsion for crewed Mars missions, though challenges remain in material durability, thermal management, and scaling for long-duration flights.

via The Daily Galaxy|
#electric-propulsion#lithium-plasma#magnetoplasmadynamic