To Mars and Beyond Fast! : How Plasma Propulsion Will Revolutionize Space Exploration As advanced space propulsion moves slowly from science fiction to achievable reality the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket or VASIMR is a leading contender for making Mars in a month a possibility. Developed by Ad Astra Rockets which was founded by astronaut Franklin Chang Diaz and backed by NASA its first commercial tests are imminent. VASIMR heats plasma to extreme temperatures using radio waves. Strong magnetic fields then funnel this plasma out the back of the engine creating thrust. The continuous propulsion may place long fast interplanetary journeys within reach in the near future. While scientists dream of the possibilities of using fusion or well controlled matter antimatter interactions to propel spacecraft fast and far that goal is still some way over the horizon. VASIMR provides a more attainable propulsion technology that is based on the matter antimatter concept. The book describes a landmark technology grounded in plasma physics and offering a practical technological solution for exploring beyond low Earth orbit in the decades to come. 1 The Nautilus Paradigm 2 A Fast Track to Deep Space 3 Early VASIMR Development 4 Probing the Physics 5 The Breakthroughs 6 A New Company is Born 7 The VX 200 and the Path to Commercialization 8 A Bridge to the Future 9 Mission Threats and Potential Solutions 10 The VASIMR Nuclear Electric Mission Architecture Index.