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University of Houston • University of Houston-Clear Lake • ISSO Annual Report Y2004 • 132-133
Investigation of Plasma Flow Characteristics in a Magneto-Plasma
Rocket
Abstract--Scientists at NASA-JSC have been engaged in the development of a new space engine concept, designed to propel space vehicles by ionizing and heating neutral gas to high temperatures and then guiding them out of a magnetic nozzle to produce thrust. Research and production will see the development of the VASIMIR (Variable Specific Impulse Magneto-Plasma Rocket. Much like a chemical rocket engine, this engine will transport vehicles faster and allow space travel at greater distances.
In 2004, VASIMIR leadership received applications and interviewed potential applicants for a postdoctoral position on the team. A candidate has been selected and has received a letter inviting him to join NASA scientists in this project. He was expected to have begun his research with NASA scientists the first week of April 2005.
Projects involve NASA principal investigators with UH and UHCL faculty and senior scientists who integrate graduate and undergraduate students into project teams conducting state-of-the-art research. This research team is developing the VASIMIR, the Variable Specific Impulse Magneto-Plasma Rocket. The complete project description can be viewed at <http://www.isso.uh.edu>.
Publications
Shebalin, J. V. "Stormer Regions for Axisymmetric Magnetic Multipole Fields," Physics
of Plasmas 11.7 (2004): 3472-83.
PDF (KB)
Table of Contents
Institute for Space Systems Operations - Y2004 Annual
Report
Copyright © 2005
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