Record Power Level For The VASIMR VX-200i, HD

This is a record power level test firing in a series of experiments with the VASIMR VX-200 plasma rocket prototype. The rocket's 1st stage (a Helicon plasma source) was fired at 30 kW using a state-of-the-art solid state RF power supply, and the rocket's 2nd stage was fired at 149 kW using a second solid state RF power supply. Argon gas was used as the propellant, and gives a distinctive purple/blue/UV glow. The second half of the video is slowed down to 1/10 speed during the firing of the second stage.

The plasma diagnostics that can be seen in this video are situated on an x-y motion stage capable of moving side to side 200cm and in an out 500cm with 0.5mm precision. Because of the extreme temperatures and heating within the plasma exhaust, the diagnostics are all constructed out of refractory metals, high temperature ceramics, or graphite (or all three). The rocket and everything else seen in this video is located within a vacuum chamber, used to simulate the vacuum environment of space.

The VX-200 is the precursor to the VF-200, a flight demonstration unit that is intended to fly on the International Space Station (ISS). http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2008/dec/HQ_08-332_VASMIR_engine.html

www.adastrarocket.com

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[Slicerer]

ITS OVER 9000!!!!!!

But no seriously, this technology is awesome!

[txdunn]

what kind of stereo system does it have?

[TreFkoLogy]

i love that sound

[davidroxs]

looks like fuck all happened >:L

[petaboil]

IMMA FIRIN MA LAZAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JR0d2002]

1.21 JIGGAWATTS!!!!! GREAT SCOTT!!!!!!!!

[abram730]

@alienator The moon constantly inputs energy to the earth. Gravity + orbit.. How much energy in the tidal forces? How much energy threw friction in the earth.

There are ways to generate energy without fuel beyond charging the system.. There are also ways to make massless propulsion systems... You will not however get them from people excited simply by the words "Zero point" or "free energy".

[alienator]

In SOME models of quantum gravity, things at distance less than a Planck Length apart can be indistinguishable, but that's got nothing to do with zero point energy and is a red herring. There is no free energy in a closed system. There are no perpetual motion machines. If you're going to bring up the Planck Length, you have to be prepared to mathematically show how it's relevant and how it supports your ideas.

[alienator]

In SOME models of quantum gravity, things at distance less than a Planck Length apart can be indistinguishable, but that's got nothing to do with zero point energy and is a red herring. There is no free energy in a closed system. There are no perpetual motion machines. If you're going to bring up the Planck Length, you have to be prepared to mathematically show how it's relevant and how it supports your ideas.

[cornskid]

@alienator Imagine 2 spheres one inside the other with their respective surfaces less than a plank distance apart, give them a radius of 1 meter, does quantum mechanics allow one to compute the result? BTW absolutely agree on the thermodynamics thing. I loved Math but never got beyond Calculus ( joined the army ) .

[Reaver4k]

how much thrust would you get if you where feeding it 100-200 megawatts, on a larger version. Can anyone send my the equations for this.

[ruwithlee1970]

What is the actual likely hood that this type ot technology gets put to use before NASA is moth balled and turned into a museum ? I am quite sure are actual level of technology is quite a bit more advanced that were being lead to belive !