Editing Ion thruster (section)

=== Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) ===
{{main|Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket}}

The proposed [[Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket]] (VASIMR) functions by using [[radio waves]] to ionize a [[propellant]] into a plasma, and then using a [[magnetic field]] to accelerate the plasma out of the back of the [[rocket engine]] to generate thrust. The VASIMR is currently being developed by [[Ad Astra Rocket Company]], headquartered in [[Houston]], [[Texas]], with help from [[Canada]]-based [[Nautel]], producing the 200&nbsp;kW RF generators for ionizing propellant. Some of the components and "plasma shoots" experiments are tested in a laboratory settled in [[Liberia, Costa Rica]]. This project is led by former NASA astronaut [[Franklin Chang-Díaz]] (CRC-USA). A 200&nbsp;kW VASIMR test engine was in discussion to be fitted in the exterior of the [[International Space Station]], as part of the plan to test the VASIMR in space; however, plans for this test onboard ISS were canceled in 2015 by [[NASA]], with a free flying VASIMR test being discussed by Ad Astra instead.<ref name="VASiMRscrapped"/> An envisioned 200&nbsp;MW engine could reduce the duration of flight from Earth to Jupiter or Saturn from six years to fourteen months, and Mars from 7 months to 39 days.<ref>{{cite web|last=Zyga|first=Lisa|date=2009|title=Plasma Rocket Could Travel to Mars in 39 Days|url=http://phys.org/news174031552.html|work=[[Phys.org]]}}</ref>