The road to Mars has myriad challenges. Nasa has been actively working to develop and advance technologies to send astronauts and payloads to the planet efficiently and rapidly. 

The first step in reaching Mars is to create a propulsion system capable of quickly transporting massive cargoes to and from the distant planet.  

US-based Howe Industries has been developing a technology called pulsed plasma rocket (PPR).

Notably, this propulsion system would produce up to 100,000 N of thrust with a specific impulse (Isp) of 5,000 seconds — meeting the two primary requirements for deep space missions. This makes it a promising candidate for future deep space missions.

Representational image of nuclear propulsion rocket over Mars. Image: Nasa.

The concept of pulsed plasma rocket

Current spacecraft require a high velocity to go long distances in space. This can be achieved by designing propulsion systems with high thrust and high specific impulse. However, such technologies do not now exist.

The PPR concept aims to meet these dual needs. 

As per an earlier research paper, the PPR is an evolution of the Pulsed Fission Fusion concept. It is an advanced propulsion concept that harnesses the power of nuclear energy to generate thrust for spacecraft propulsion.

At its core, the PPR employs a fission-based nuclear power system, which obtains energy from the controlled splitting of atomic nuclei. 

Moreover, PPR is smaller, simpler, and less expensive than the pulsed fission-fusion concept. 

“The exceptional performance of the PPR, combining high Isp and high thrust, holds the potential to revolutionise space exploration. The system’s high efficiency allows for manned missions to Mars to be completed within a mere two months,” mentioned the Nasa press release. 

Alternatively, a one-way trip would take at least nine months from Earth to Mars. 

This rocket may even go beyond Mars

The capabilities offered by the PPR rocket opens up new possibilities in space exploration. 

This tech would be able to propel much heavier spacecraft compared to conventional propulsion systems.

According to a Nasa release, it will be designed with a high-tech protective shield against Galactic Cosmic Rays, which are high-energy particles that pose health dangers to humans during long-duration space travel. 

Simplified image of the PPR system. Brianna Clements

Interestingly, the PPR’s advanced propulsion capabilities make it suitable for missions beyond Mars. For example, missions to the Asteroid Belt may become feasible with the PPR. This technology would also give access to the Asteroid Belt for mining and other possible resources. 

The Nasa Innovative Advanced Concept (NIAC) Phase I study of this PPR tech focused on “assessing the neutronics of the system, designing the spacecraft, power system, and necessary subsystems, analysing the magnetic nozzle capabilities, and determining trajectories and benefits of the PPR”.

Phase II may bring Nasa closer to realising its Martian dreams with enhanced engine designs, real-world trials, and a ship design for protected human flights to Mars.

Mars presently only has robotic explorers, who have become permanent inhabitants without needing to return to Earth.  

But for humans, it can be tricky as they can’t extend their stay on Mars’s harsh environment. When Earth and Mars are closest to each other in their orbital alignment, executing a relatively fast return trip is possible.

However, for this perfect alignment, astronauts may have to wait for a longer period, maybe even a year.  

Developing a propulsion system, like PPR, may solve this problem and relatively reduce travel time between the two worlds.