Innovation - Mini-Magnetosphere Plasma Propulsion (M2P2)
Getting to Mars, Jupiter, and beyond on free power. Huge quantities of rocket fuel are currently required for fast interplanetary travel. Getting that fuel off Earth and into space costs $10,000 a pound. This innovative concept harnesses the power of the sun by creating a magnetic field that acts as a giant bubble, or sail, to capture solar wind and use its pushing power to propel a spacecraft. With this kind of power, missions to outer planets could be much faster and more rewarding. For example, the Cassini probe to Saturn was launched in 1997. It won't get there until 2004. With this technology that trip could be reduced from seven years to two. Called M2P2 (for mini-magnetosphere plasma propulsion), the technology has the potential of opening up the outer solar system to exploration previously undreamed of. This innovation also has the potential to ...
