Thread: SpaceX - On to Mars

Originally Posted by tomcat

...of course, once plasma engines are developed, such elaborate constructions will no longer be necessary...

None of the envisioned new propulsion systems will be capable of launching from Earth. They are purely in space propulsion that can fly only orbit to orbit between planets. They will be efficient but low thrust.

What do you mean with plasma engines? Ion drives like Hall thrusters or do you think of nuclear drives?

I hope for direct fusion drives. Maybe they can develop fusion that can directly produce thrust. I may be too optimistic.