Russia is quietly testing a new plasma propulsion system that, if it performs as claimed, could dramatically change how long it takes to travel to Mars. How the System Would Be Used in SpaceThe plasma engine is not intended to launch directly from Earth’s surface. Once in space, the plasma engine would be activated to provide continuous thrust for the journey through deep space. The propulsion system uses two high-voltage electrodes to create directed plasma flow. Rosatom documentation lists the projected thrust at 6 newtons, which is high for a plasma propulsion prototype.