The Vasimr Engine: Project Status and Recent Accomplishments

The development of the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR) was initiated in the late 1970s to address a critical requirement for fast, high-power interplanetary space transportation. While not being a fusion rocket, it nevertheless borrows heavily from that technology and takes advantage of the natural topology of open-ended magnetic systems. In addition to its high power density and high exhaust velocity, VASIMR is capable of "constant power throttling" a feature, which allows in-flight mission-optimization of thrust and specific impulse to enhance performance and reduce trip time. A NASA-led, research team, involving industry, academia and government facilities is pursuing the development of this concept in the United States. The technology can be validated, in the near term, in venues such as the International Space Station, where it can also serve as both a drag compensation device and a plasma contactor for the orbital facility. Other near-Earth applications in the commercial and scientific satellite sectors are also envisioned. This presentation covers the evolution of the VASIMR concept to its present status, as well as recent accomplishments in our understanding of the physics. Approaches and collaborative programs addressing the major technical challenges will also be presented

Prospectus, April 29, 1974

STUDENTS SEEK GOVERNMENT POSTS; 14 Candidates Run For Major Stu-Go Positions; College Construction Nearing Completion; I.O.C. Sponsors Spring Carnival; Cruisin\u27 \u2774; President\u27s Report; Raines To Speak On Education; Parkland\u27s New School Fight Song; P/C Sponsors Festival Of Foreign Films; A Film For The Times; Doobie\u27s Latest Disappointing; A Column By and For Women; Going Back To Work; Hypertension Screening Tests May 6; Candidates\u27 Platforms; Let\u27s Go To The Bars; Fire Destroys Campus Building; Monday\u27s Coach; IM Department Still Scheduling Sports Events; Give The Girls A Break; Parkland College Baseball (Tentative 1974 Scehdule); Bowling Bulletin Board; Cobra Statistics Reveal Good Odds; Classified Ads; Prepare For Graduation; Graduation Calendar Events; Cobra Tracksters Run To Second At Harper Meet; Crosswords; Parkland Events; Krannert Art Schedule; P/C Jazz Band To Perform In J/C Competition; Committee Announced Special Day; SCI Plans Symposium; Attention E. I. U. Transfer Students; Mime Group Performs Visual Composition; Blood Bank I.D. Cards; Summer Field Course In American Southwesthttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1974/1014/thumbnail.jp

Prospectus, September 23, 1974

ALL SET FOR STUGO ELECTION; Trustees Approve Budget For \u2774-\u2775, Partial Figures On Page 12; 16 Candidates On Ballot For 1st \u2774 Election; PC Counselors Offer More Than Counseling; Attention: Transfer Students; mercy for who?; The Short Circuit; The Kaleidoscope; Letters; Point-Counterpoint: How Do You View America\u27s Future?; Here Are Candidates\u27 Platforms; State House Candidates To Debate Here; Friends; Untitled; Lit. 1.: A Secret Something, Untitled, Rebirth, Everyone\u27s looking for...; \u27DIRT\u27 Comes Off Clean; Really Raunchy Record Review: Eric Clapton, 461 Ocean Boulevard; Meeting For Prospective Debators; Classified Ads; Books: All The President\u27s Men; Republicans To Have Coffee Wednesday; Phi Beta Lambda Meetings Scheduled; APO Chapter Formed Here; In The Dark: That\u27s Entertainment ; Jock Talk; Harriers Perform Well, Abbey Pleased; IM Football Starts Play On 25th; Howell First \u27Fast Freddy\u27; Bowling Bulletin Board; Watching A Counselor At Work; Registration Drive; Cross Country Schedule; Last Chance For Girls IM Football; Fast Freddy\u27s Football Forecast; Callboard; Parkland Events; Summary Of Approved Budget; Vets Elect Officers; A Column By And For Women; Fashion Forecasthttps://spark.parkland.edu/prospectus_1974/1009/thumbnail.jp