A magnetoplasmadynamic thruster is a form of electrically powered spacecraft propulsion which uses the Lorentz force to generate thrust. It is sometimes referred to as a Lorentz Force Accelerator or M
An MPD thruster during test firing
CGI rendering of Princeton University's lithium-fed self-field MPD thruster (from Popular Mechanics magazine)
The Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket is an electrothermal thruster under development for possible use in spacecraft propulsion. It uses radio waves to ionize and heat an inert propellant
Magnetoplasmadynamic thruster
…Spacecraft propulsion – Method used to accelerate spacecraft VASIMR – Electrothermal thruster in development Choueiri, Edgar Y. (2009). New dawn of electric rocket. Next-Generation Thruster Archived 2016-10-18 at the…
Artist's impression of a spacecraft powered by a VASIMR engine
VX-10 test chamber at the Advanced Space Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson Space Center
VX-200 plasma engine at full power, employing both stages with full magnetic field