Simple VASMIR

[bombo1]

so i read about the vasmir and after that got the idea of drilling a hole in the microwave oven and boil some water to create thrust out from that hole. so what i am asking for is: can i call that idea a vasmir? Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variable_Specific_Impulse_Magnetoplasma_Rocket

[Nuke]

no, that would be called a microwave electrothermal thruster, or met. mets give you an isp around 800-900 seconds. water probibly inst the best propellant, but it can run on pretty much any liquid or gas.

vasmir (variable specific impulse magnetoplasma rocket) would be a valid name for any plasma thruster that can work over a range of isp settings. you can essentially trade isp for thrust when needed. totally different technology.

Edited December 24, 2013 by Nuke

[Themohawkninja]

Water in a microwave doesn't make plasma.

[SargeRho]

Microwaves can ionise the hydrogen in water to produce plasma.

[Themohawkninja]

Microwaves can ionise the hydrogen in water to produce plasma.

That would take a mighty large amount of microwaves methinks.

[SargeRho]

Yeah, and it's best done when you have more power than propellant at your disposal.

[bombo1]

no, that would be called a microwave electrothermal thruster, or met. mets give you an isp around 800-900 seconds. water probibly inst the best propellant, but it can run on pretty much any liquid or gas.

vasmir (variable specific impulse magnetoplasma rocket) would be a valid name for any plasma thruster that can work over a range of isp settings. you can essentially trade isp for thrust when needed. totally different technology.

Ok, thanks!