Researchers at the University of Alabama in Huntsville are developing propulsion technologies that can make long distance space travel for humans possible.
They are currently working on a technology named PTX or Plasmoid Thruster Experiment that will help them develop a highly efficient propulsion system that can eventually change the way we all travel in space. The technology can also be used to develop better propulsion systems that can take humans to other planets.
PTX was originally built by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the MSFC had later donated the technology to UAH for further research.
The main theory behind the research is to investigate the properties of a small scale and pulsed plasma thruster.
PTX works by ringing a single coil turn conical coil to about 500 KHz that ionizes the gas and then accelerates it forming a Plasmoid that has a closed magnetic field structure.
The researchers are facing many challenges with this approach as the thruster has to be highly efficient since the electric propulsion system has to perform continuously for years if we want to travel to other planets.
The propulsion system uses plasma which is in contact with electrodes and acceleration grids. This contact causes erosion when the system is used for long duration of time. But the Plasmoid thruster has better lifetime since it is not in contact with the thruster components.
Researchers are working on the technology so as to improve the thruster so that it can be used in the hostile conditions of space. We can improve the thruster on earth but once it’s in space it cannot be repaired or improved. If we want a successful inter-planet mission then such components will have to perform on their full potential with minimum failures.
Via: physorg
