Russia’s new plasma propulsion system could redefine deep space missions. Using powerful electromagnetic fields, the engine fires charged hydrogen particles at nearly 100,000 meters per second—more than 350 times the speed of a bullet. This high-velocity exhaust allows for continuous acceleration, enabling a spacecraft to reach Mars in just 30 days—compared to the 7–9 months required by chemical rockets.

The engine is powered by a compact nuclear reactor, generating electricity to sustain the plasma reaction. It produces only a small amount of thrust, similar to the weight of a soda can, but the key is consistency: the engine doesn’t stop pushing. This constant thrust builds speed exponentially in space. With testing underway in vacuum conditions, Russia aims to deliver a flight-ready prototype by 2030, pushing the boundaries of interplanetary travel and intensifying the Mars race with the U.S. and China.