The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully tested a new plasma drive for space exploration. The plasma engine is a 'double layer thruster' that works by accelerating charged particles between two layers of argon plasma, gas where the atoms have been stripped of electrons.
Of the test, Dr Roger Walker of ESA's Advanced Concepts Team said, "Essentially the concept exploits a natural phenomenon we see taking place in space"
Check out the diagram at the bottom of the page for the specifics of the ion engine.
Plasma Engine
