# Experimental Space Engines This Ion Drive Could Outperform High-Powered NASA Engines By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-09-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ion-drive References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/neumann-ion-drive-nasa-hipep-engine/39490/) & [neumannspace](http://www.neumannspace.com/) Dr. Patrick Neumann of the [University of Sydney](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-evolved-phages) in Australia has developed a new and highly advanced ion drive that he claims will be able to outperform the very best [NASA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graphene-battery) equivalent. This particular ion drive is different from NASA and other offerings in that it works on a principle very similar to that of an arc-wielding machine. The device shoots a high-voltage electrical discharge across the surface of a propellant. Once completed, the plug vaporizes and generates a mixture of ions, electrons and vapors. Dr. Neumann, who developed the engine as part of his PhD thesis, says that his new ion drive is more efficient than NASA's High Power Electric Propulsion or HiPEP engine, and could make it possible to go to Mars and back on a single tank of fuel. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 38% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Advanced Ion Drives:** Dr. Neumann's advanced ion drive technology has the potential to outperform current NASA engines, opening up new possibilities for space exploration. - **Arc-welding Principles:** The application of arc-welding principles in ion drives presents disruptive innovation opportunities in propulsion technology. - **Efficient Propellant Vaporization:** The use of high-voltage electrical discharge for propellant vaporization in ion drives offers a more efficient alternative to traditional methods. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Aerospace:** The aerospace industry can leverage advanced ion drives to enhance space exploration capabilities and potentially revolutionize space travel. - **Propulsion Technology:** The development of new ion drives based on arc-welding principles presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the propulsion technology industry. - **Energy Storage:** Efficient propellant vaporization techniques in ion drives could lead to advancements in energy storage for various industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Enigmatically Efficient Engines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-engines.md) - [3D-Printed Orbital Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phoenix-engine.md) - [Post-Colonization Mars Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacex-fusion-concept.md) - [Revolutionary Combustion Engines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/combustion-engine.md) - [Eco-Friendly Nano Satellites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orbex-prime.md) - [High-Performance Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ioniq-5-n.md) - [Hydrogen-Powered Hypersonic Airplanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sky-magnetar.md) - [Emissions-Free eVTOL Aircraft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emissionsfree-evtol-aircraft.md) - [Rotating-Detonation Hypersonic Engines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/GE-Aerospace.md)