famousringo on 10 December 2009
This isn't the first time I've heard of the VASIMR engine. The engines themselves are a lot heavier per pound of thrust than conventional rockets, but use reaction mass much more efficiently. So they're no good for short trips like surface to orbit, but great once you're in freefall. Which is why we should take a serious look at a space elevator. 
You can find more details on them here:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/10/05/vasimr_200kw_success/
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