"We have obtained unique characteristics of a plasma pulse engine with a single pulse of up to 100 kilometers per second [62.1 miles per second] on our bench installations. This is, of course, a qualitative advantage over chemical solutions. We really hope that this will also be our contribution to the exploration of deep space," Likhachev told reporters at the Russian Space Forum at the Rossiya National Center.
In 2023, scientists at Rosatom developed a plasma accelerator with an external magnetic field for a prototype plasma rocket engine featuring increased thrust (at least 6 N) and a high specific impulse (at least 100 km/s). The average power of this engine, operating in a pulsed-periodic mode, can reach 300 kW. The subsequent stage involved producing a flight-ready laboratory prototype and conducting ground tests. Rosatom reported that work on the project is progressing successfully.
Earlier reports indicated that creating a plasma rocket engine with a capacity of several hundred kilowatts would allow Russia to secure technological leadership in this field and achieve a new level of space exploration—enabling interplanetary missions and regular cargo transport between Earth and the Moon.
In December 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree establishing Space Week, to be held annually from April 6 to 12.