HIGH-POWER PLASMA ENGINE AND ITS POSITIONS IN THE WORLD

The article is devoted to the use of plasma rocket engines in open space and their advantages over classical rocket engines. The works of Russian scientists who contributed to the development of plasma thrusters are analyzed. Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR), the first prototype of the plasma engine, which was developed, tested and modified in the USA is also considered. This article will be useful for physics students and engineers as an introductory material on plasma physics and rocket science.