When will an m2p2 (mini-magnetosheric plazma propulsion)drive go to prototype?

Question

This propulsion system is obviously superior to ion drive, but is there a propulsion system superior to m2p2 (hypothetical, theoretical, or other)?

Answer 1

It is still in the computer simulation phase.

The scheme is the brainchild of Robert Winglee, a scientist at the University of Washington in Seattle.

His Mini-Magnetosphere Plasma Propulsion, or M2P2 for short, takes advantage of the natural environment of space. M2P2 technology creates a huge magnetic bubble around an interplanetary craft. In deploying the mini-magnetosphere, this plasma "balloon" interacts with high-speed ionized particles shed by the Sun that, in turn, push the vehicle through space.

"The technology seeks to do what space does -- deploy a magnetized sail to travel with the winds," Winglee said. Plasma sail technologies could cut conventional trip times to the outer planets in half. The NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC) funded early work on Winglee's M2P2 notion.

A new test chamber at the university, Winglee said, has proven helpful in exploring the intricacies of creating a plasma balloon. "We're very happy with the results to date that we are seeing very similar to computer simulations.

Answer 2

Yes, there was a report in Science Fiction Pathways of a Russian design engine that had passed all of its intitial tests only a few months ago. It is evidently quite the cats meow, producing 25,000 KWPC per ms, with very little heat around the core unit which is excellent for future users who will not have to be concerned with masses of heavy insulation and isolation bulkheads. With all the design work in the bag, so to speak, we can expect this device to dominate the industry for probably the next ten years, unless something better comes along.

Answer 3

When I figure out what any of that stuff is I'll try and answer again.