To Mars and Beyond, Fast!: How Plasma Propulsion Will Revolutionize Space Exploration (Springer Praxis Books)

The development of the VASIMR Propulsion System may be ground breaking technology for space travel but as an interested Layman, I am having a hard time following and being interested in reading the story. I believe the authors are more accustomed to writing Technical Papers for their peers and not so well adapted to writing for an audience that knows nothing about space propulsion systems. There is a lack of diagrams that explain in simple terms the theory of operation.

Dr. Chang- Diaz has done a tremendous job of describing Ad Astra's plasma magneto dynamics "VASIMR" rocket.Dr. Chang-Diaz is the inventor of the VASIMR rocket.The book is a stimulating account of the birth, development, current status and future prospects for the VASIMR rocket.VASIMR provides a rocket design which is able to scale up starting from solar to nuclear magneto plasma dynamic electric power.The VASIMR rocket design provides the extremely valuable and unique ability to generate Variable Specific Impulse power.The current rocket prototype operates in the 200 Kilo Watt range. Without any prohibitive technical challenges the VASIMR power range is expected to be increased to the 2000 Kilo Watt power range.Beyond this near term achievable power range using solar and/or fission powered rocket platforms, VASIMR provides a path to an eventual Deep Space exploring Fusion Powered rocket vehicle.The book is highly informational, readable and well organized.I am amazed at the incredible determination and persistence of Dr. Chang Diaz in his successful quest to become a Rocket Scientist while at the same time pursuing and excellently performing (seven times) the duties of a Space Mission shuttle pilot !

My wife Marti gave me this book. What a treasure! The Ad Astra Rocket (VASIMR) has the power to keep the Space Station in orbit, gather and dispose of space debris, and get us to Mars, Fast! But to learn about a great scientific breakthrough in rocket propulsion is one thing. To learn how one man has faced and overcome enormous challenges and obstacles, and persevered, is quite another. It is inspirational to read about Franklin Chang-Diaz as an astronaut aboard the Space Station (7 times!) and as an MIT physicist developing his powerful ion engine, but to me, the real lesson for us all is to see, to read, to know, that if this man can surmount the enormous pile of wrenches and kitchen sinks thrown in his way by those who should have known better (a pile grown so high over the decades, he could have climbed them to the Space Station), then perhaps we too can draw strength from his achievements to better our own lives. Five Stars! -Waddell

So many hypothesis and designs for new propulsion and technology. Some work, some meh. THIS technology however, is earth shattering and ground breaking.Chang-Diaz has a fascinating history in his bio..........his technology and research is even more so. Largely considered the "brightest" of all Space Shuttle era astronauts, his technology has proven this.VERY fascinating, highly recommend.

Dr Franklin Chang-Diaz has been intimately involved in the original development of plasma physics since his time as a PhD student at MIT. His persistent pursuit of this technology for space flight propulsion for nearly four decades is coming to fruition. Coupled with his vast experience as a NASA astronaut, he brings unsurpassed credibility to this subject. This book is a must read for anyone interested in the future of space travel.

A perfect balance between the science behind the VASIMR engine and the unstoppable determination of Franklin Chang Diaz. This book is a must for anyone looking to learn about plasma propulsion, which will play a leading role in future space exploration. More importantly, it is a story of following one's dream until it becomes a reality. To Mars and Beyond, Fast!: How Plasma Propulsion Will Revolutionize Space Exploration (Springer Praxis Books)

A great book on the VASIMR engine, its history, and potential applications. It goes into great detail given credit to all those who contributed to it. The final chapter detail the future applications including Mars mission.

This is a book worth reading. VASIMR engines are the future. I hope NASA puts one on the space station soon.