Submission + - A quicker path to outer space? (newscientist.com) 1
xaositects writes: "Scientists were able to fire a plasma rocket based on VASIMR (Variable Specific-Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket) technology for more than four hours, far exceeding previous testing times. (Previously, they only been able to test for 2 minutes before the rocket began overheating.) The rocket works by ecause the plasma rocket continuously accelerates, instead of firing at lift-off, then gliding to its destination as current propulsion systems do, the rocket promises to decrease travel times in space. Scientists say there are significant challenges ahead but hope to have a working application by 2010."
