NASA tries the ion engine that can take people to Mars

NASA is experimenting with a solar-powered large ion-propulsion system to help carry out remote space exploration missions.

NASA's Glenn Research Center has released an image of an ion engine in a vacuum chamber, which is said to have three times the capacity of existing engine systems. This test allows engineers to evaluate the performance of ion engines in space for the mission of space conquest, according to Unexplained.

Called the Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shield (HERMeS) , the engine operates at a power of 12.5 kW, much stronger than its counterparts.

Ion motors during the test. (Photo: NASA).

HERMES is equipped with advanced magnetic shield, which can provide "light but continuous" thrust during the mission. Many of these engines will be used for the ARRM. They operate at 40 kW, using 50 kW of solar cells.

The data and experience gained from ARRM will help to build the foundation for space exploration missions, including the launch of Mars. This project costs an estimated $ 1.4 billion, the first launch scheduled for 2021.

NASA says that HERMES is very important to the future of space exploration, as it consumes only one tenth of all other space engine systems.

The ion engine is a dedicated propulsion system for space probes that generates thrust by releasing accelerating ions.

The advantage of the ion engine is its high fuel efficiency, which allows the probe to accelerate for longer periods of time than conventional engines, in line with deep space missions. The main disadvantage of this engine is that the thrust is very weak, requiring more time to accelerate and only operate in a vacuum.