Invasion: JPL Technical Data

*Mini-Magnetospheric Plasma Propulsion (M2P2) is an advanced plasma propulsion system that will enable spacecraft to attain unprecedented speeds, with minimal energy and mass requirements. This rendering depicts a mini-magnetosphere deployed around a spacecraft. Plasma or ionized gas is trapped on the magnetic field lines generated onboard, and this plasma inflates the magnetic field much like hot air in a balloon. Photo courtesy: R. M. Winglee, Univ. of Washington

Making use of pressure from the Sun's photons, solar sails are expected to play a role in space exploration in the decades to come. Credit: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center

Spacecraft en route from Earth to Mars boosted by electric thrusters that are energized by photovoltaic cells embedded in fan-shaped sails. CREDIT: NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center

Plasma powered rockets using stored fuel and a nuclear reactor

Actual ion thruster undergoing endurance tests at JPL zero gravity facility in 1996.

A hydrogen and oxygen rocket undergoing a test firing.