Russia has experienced plasma engines
New Russian plasma engines SPD-140 for satellites have been flight tested, told RIA Novosti the head of the Reshetnev Research Institute named after Nikolay Testoyedov at Singapore Airshow 2018.
According to him, these power units were tested about one and a half months ago. "I got a flight qualification and this engine, too, and not just ground. Flight tests were conducted as part of a European satellite, "Testoyedov said.
In subsequent projects where higher mass is required, than the rocket can carry, ISS Reshetneva plans to install additional thrust engines on the satellites, which allow the satellite to move to the desired position more quickly.
"In particular, it is intended to use engines other than SPD-100, and SPD-140 with a thrust of about 56 grams. Seven to eight times more traction, seven to eight times less time to increase, "Testoyedov said.