Next Generation Ion Engines

Info: Hall Thrusters w/pics (great site!)

The next generation ion engine is being prepared. Hall Thrusters. We have successfully used ion engines before but these are something even better. I think the facts, as stated in this SpaceDaily.com story, speak for themselves:


When the new system is delivered to NASA, Aerojet's work will represent a 30-fold increase in total power and thrust delivered over current state-of- the-art systems, which are approximately 18kW...


The system will require approximately one-third the propellant of equivalent propulsion systems. Industry studies predict a vehicle mass savings of up to 30 metric tons.



This is being brought to you by those fine folks at Aerojet. And GenCorp. Not that I'm on their payroll or anything. I support the science. I support the research. I support the engineering and design work. I support the people doing the science, research, engineering and design work.
With engines like these, ships will travel to Mars and back in weeks. And we won't need to wait half a year for the orbits to match correctly either. It's the difference between crossing the Atlantic by sail and crossing by modern cruise liner.
Such a tremendous leap forward and we haven't even begun the journey yet...simply amazing.