Russian scientists at Rosatom have announced a groundbreaking plasma electric rocket engine that could significantly reduce interplanetary travel times, potentially reaching Mars in just one to two months.
The engine, developed at Rosatom’s Troitsk Institute, operates on the principle of electromagnetic acceleration. Charged particles—electrons and protons—are passed between two electrodes, where a high voltage generates a magnetic field that propels them out of the engine, creating thrust.
“Traditional rocket engines have a maximum velocity of around 4.5 km/s due to combustion limitations. In contrast, our plasma engine accelerates charged particles to an astonishing 100 km/s (62 miles per second),” said Alexei Voronov, deputy general director for science at the Troitsk Institute.
Using hydrogen as fuel, this advanced propulsion system could drastically cut travel times while reducing astronauts’ exposure to cosmic radiation, a key challenge in long-duration missions.
A laboratory prototype has already been developed, with extensive ground testing planned before creating a flight model by 2030. Scientists have constructed a specialized vacuum chamber (4 meters in diameter and 14 meters long) to simulate space conditions, allowing for rigorous performance testing.
Project adviser Konstantin Gutorov stated that the engine, which operates in a pulse-periodic mode with a power output of 300 kW, has already demonstrated a lifespan of over 2,400 hours—enough for a full Mars transit.
Once operational, the plasma engine would be activated after a spacecraft reaches orbit, allowing for gradual acceleration and deceleration during interplanetary travel. It could also be used in space tugs for cargo transportation between planets.
Rosatom’s plasma engine is among a growing number of innovative propulsion technologies. Researchers in Italy are exploring water-powered propulsion, while others are testing lightsails driven by laser or starlight pressure.
Despite the promising outlook, Rosatom’s claims have yet to be independently verified through peer-reviewed studies. If successful, this technology could mark a major leap forward in human space exploration, making Mars missions faster, safer, and more efficient than ever before.