Russian Plasma Engine Could Cut Mars Travel to 30 Days

Russian scientists are testing a new type of rocket engine that uses plasma instead of chemical fuel.

This engine uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate charged hydrogen particles, which makes it much more fuel-efficient than traditional rockets.

The engine is being developed by Rosatom and is currently being tested in a special chamber that simulates space conditions.

The engine can operate at 300 kilowatts and has a lifespan of 2,400 hours, which is enough for a trip to Mars.

The engine accelerates particles to speeds of 100 km per second, much faster than traditional rockets.

This could make trips to Mars much shorter, taking about 30 days instead of several months.

Plasma engines are already used in some satellites, but the Russian engine's speed is a significant improvement.