VARION: Plasma Modelling and Testing of a Atmospheric Ion Thruster for Orbital and Space Propulsion

Overview

The fuel carried by a spacecraft limits how far and how long it can travel in space and orbit planets. My project, VARION (Versatile Atmospheric Ion Thruster), is about utilizing atmospheric gases on planets (Mars and Earth) at low orbit as propellant for orbital and interplanetary propulsion. To show my concept's feasibility, I modelled an ion thruster with the gases found on Mars and Earth: Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen. Next, I built a prototype of an atmospheric ion thruster and tested it using a vacuum chamber. VARION can decrease the use of onboard propellant and extend mission lifetimes and orbital sustainability on Earth. On Mars, it performs exceptionally by sustaining orbit without carrying any onboard propellant. This makes it suitable for future Mars missions and can aid in establishing a base on Mars. Ultimately, VARION has the potential to revolutionize the space industry and help humanity expand into space.

Awards (3)

• Special Award
• Silver Medal
• Selected for CWSF 2026

Competition history

• CWSF 2026 Aerospace

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