In non-Mars-lander NASA news, it has been reported that the space agency will soon set out concrete plans to test a revolutionary new drive system aboard the International Space Station. The propulsion tech in question is a plasma engine known as Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR).
More: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/08/06/vasimr_plasma_for_iss_griffin_remark/
A high-efficiency plasma drive designed for faster interplanetary journeys may be lifted into space by a privately-developed launcher. The candidates for the job include PayPal zillionaire Elon Musk's Falcon 9 rocket.
Flight International reports today that Dr Franklin Chang-Díaz, former astronaut and inventor of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR), has recently been in talks with NASA. Space-agency officials seemingly suggested that tests of a VASIMR unit at the International Space Station - previously hinted at by NASA chief Mike Griffin - would use a commercial launcher to deliver the plasma drive.
More: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/08/29/musk_cots_vasimr_iss_delivery/
And: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/08/29/315226/cots-rocket-could-launch-plasma-engine-to-international-space.html
NASA spinoff firm the Ad Astra Rocket Company has announced a key milestone in ground testing of its prototype plasma drive technology, Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR).
The VASIMR "helicon first stage" - which generates the plasma for acceleration by the rest of the drive - has achieved its full rated power of 30 kilowatts using Argon propellant, according to the company. This paves the way for further trials in which in which the ion-cyclotron second stage will get to strut its stuff, boosting the helicon plasma stream to the target power of 200 kW.
The successful first-stage fire-up was a collaborative effort between Ad Astra and Nautel of Canada.
More: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/10/28/vasimr_plasma_first_stage_test/
A radical, highly fuel-efficient plasma rocket whose interior operates at temperatures close to those found inside the sun has passed a key test milestone. Trials of the space drive aboard the International Space Station are expected within the next few years.
More: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/10/05/vasimr_200kw_success/