Plasmas

Plasma is a state of matter that consists of a gas of ions, neutral atoms, and free electrons, in which the electrons are not bound to atoms or molecules. Plasmas are often created by heating a gas until the electrons are stripped from their atoms, or by subjecting a gas to a strong electromagnetic field, such as a radio frequency (RF) field. Plasmas have unique properties compared to other states of matter, such as the ability to conduct electricity and respond strongly to magnetic fields. In space and astronautical engineering, plasmas are important for a variety of applications, including propulsion, energy generation, and materials processing. Plasma thrusters, for example, use electric and magnetic fields to accelerate plasma and generate thrust, making them an efficient and lightweight option for spacecraft propulsion. Plasmas are also used in fusion reactors, which aim to replicate the energy production of the sun by fusing atomic nuclei together.

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