Recently, NASA announced that Howe Industries, an American company, is working on Pulsed Plasma Rocket (PPR) technology. This advanced propulsion system is designed to meet the demands of future missions to Mars and beyond. The PPR technology is expected to significantly reduce travel time to Mars from the current 9 months to just 2 months, thanks to its high thrust and specific thrust impulse (Isp) capabilities.
The PPR technology builds on the advancements of its predecessor, Pulsed Fission Fusion (PuFF) technology, by harnessing the power of nuclear energy to generate thrust for spacecraft. It is more compact, simpler, and more cost-effective than PuFF. With its high performance and advanced capabilities, PPR has the potential to revolutionize space exploration.
One of the key advantages of PPR technology is its ability to propel much heavier spacecraft than traditional propulsion systems. NASA envisions using PPR for crewed missions to Mars as well as for missions beyond Mars such as flights to the Asteroid Belt for resource mining.
The Innovative Advanced Concept (NIAC) study is currently in Phase I where it evaluates the system’s neutron flux, spacecraft design, electrical systems and essential subsystems. Phase II aims to further develop advanced engine designs, conduct real-world testing and design spacecraft for a crewed mission to Mars.
Overall, PPR technology holds great promise for the future of space exploration with faster travel times and increased payload capacity along with expanded mission possibilities beyond Mars.