tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618880.post5323074007735251443..comments2024-03-27T00:26:31.343-07:00Comments on The Commercial Space Blog: VASIMR Moves Forward; Franklin Chang-Diaz Remains UnbowedChuck Blackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09506476753520146858noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618880.post-80021870567413001972017-03-02T15:28:30.090-08:002017-03-02T15:28:30.090-08:00Some of the specifics of this article (such as the...Some of the specifics of this article (such as the amount of money provided under NASA’s NEXTSTep program and the use of xenon as the propellant) were referenced in the Ars Technica post we mentioned in the article. <br /><br />But it's also worth noting that the Ad Astra Rocket Company website at http://www.adastrarocket.com/aarc/faq1 states explicitly that VASIMR can use a variety of different fuels.<br /><br />According to the website, "The VASIMR® engines are capable of using almost any gas or substance with a high vapor pressure as a propellant. However, some gases are better suited to forming plasma than others, and the gas’ mass also plays an important role in rocket performance. For missions near Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and the moon, argon and krypton gas have the highest performance for a 200 kW VASIMR®. However, for missions that are much farther away, e.g. Mars or Jupiter, lighter gases are more desirable and give VASIMR an optimum performance in these cases."<br /><br />We're happy to update the post as new information becomes available.<br /><br />Chuck Black/ EditorChuck Blackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09506476753520146858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6618880.post-18026410209793887842017-03-02T15:25:50.788-08:002017-03-02T15:25:50.788-08:00Hello Brian,
Just wanted to do some edits for nar...Hello Brian,<br /><br />Just wanted to do some edits for narrative, scientific, and technical precision. <br /><br />1) It's best to use the word "approximately" $9Mill USD, as the exact amount goes a little over but still under $10mill.<br /><br />2) In your paragraph discussing Nautel, the word "xenon" must be replaced with "argon". The VASIMR® engine heats ARGON gas into plasma. <br /><br />3) Discussion on Dr. Robert Zubrin...You might also want to add that Dr. Zubrin has never been to or visited our lab facilities in Houston. <br /><br />Subsequent paragraphs on solar power,<br /><br />4) The VASIMR® engine can operate effectively at less than 100kw. There's no absolute essential need for the 1 megawatt of energy for it to be able to function adequately.<br /><br />5) Additionally, a solar-powered VASIMR® engine can also travel to Mars at 200kw for cargo missions. It is human transportation to Mars in a solar-powered VASIMR® engine that would require higher power. <br /><br />6) At the end of your piece, yes, for travel beyond Mars, a nuclear power source will be needed, however this doesn't mean that the VASIMR® engine is not useful for solar-powered missions to Mars that could perfectly use the VASIMR® engine.<br /><br />7) Lastly, please be advised that VASIMR® engine is a registered trademark. It cannot be used as a noun only. It must be placed as an adjective in writing and with appropriate referencing. It's important to ensure an accurate representation and respect of the integrity of the brand and the registration. <br /><br />Please update all the proper name references as appropriate. <br /><br />"VASIMR® engine"<br />"VASIMR® technology"<br />"VASIMR® motor"<br />"VASIMR® propelled-missions"<br /><br />Monica Hernandez Quijano (mhq@adastrarocket.com)<br />Global Communications Manager<br />Ad Astra Rocket CompanyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com