With current technology, a round trip to the red planet would take nearly two years, creating many health risks for astronauts.
The challenges of long-term space travel
Long travel times are one of the most dangerous factors for astronauts' health. They will be exposed to high levels of solar and cosmic radiation, face the harmful effects of weightlessness and prolonged periods of isolation.
According to NASA, astronauts who stay in space for just 6 months will be exposed to the amount of radiation equivalent to 1,000 chest X-rays, increasing the risk of cancer, nervous system damage, osteoporosis and heart disease. .
Troy Howe, President of Howe Industries, said the best way to reduce radiation exposure and other harmful health effects is to shorten the duration of the trip. That's why he partnered with NASA to develop the Pulsed Plasma Rocket (PPR): A new rocket system that could shorten the round trip to Mars to just 2 months.
Revolutionize space travel with PPR
PPR is a propulsion system that uses pulses of superheated plasma to create very efficient thrust. It is currently in its second phase of development, funded by NASA's Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program.
This phase two study is scheduled to begin this month and focuses on optimizing engine design, performing proof-of-concept experiments and designing a shielded, powered spacecraft. amount of PPR for human missions to Mars.
The biggest advantage of PPR is that it can make spacecraft move extremely fast. This system has both high thrust and high specific impulse. Impulse is specifically the speed at which the rocket engine produces thrust, and thrust is the force that moves the spacecraft.
The PPR produces a thrust of 10,000 newtons at a specific impulse of 5,000 seconds. That means a PPR-equipped spacecraft, carrying four to six passengers, could travel at about 100,000 miles per hour. A spacecraft flying that fast will eventually have to slow down to reach its destination. Howe said the company has calculated the amount of additional energy and propellant needed to land on Mars.
The future of space travel
Even after phase two is complete, it will still be several decades before PPR is ready to send astronauts to the red planet. But once it's ready for spaceflight, Howe hopes that the technology will greatly expand the scope of human space exploration, perhaps even supporting missions to Pluto in someday.
“You can achieve almost anything you want in the solar system when we get this technology operational in 20 years,” Howe said. PPR technology not only helps humans explore Mars more effectively, but also opens up new opportunities for exploring other planets and celestial bodies in the solar system.
The development and deployment of pulsed plasma rocket technology not only marks a major step forward in science and technology but also brings hope for humanity's future in space exploration and conquest. With close cooperation between scientists and aerospace organizations, the day when humans set foot on Mars and other distant planets may not be too far away.
