The Ad Astra Rocket Company signed an agreement with NASA yesterday at the company’s research facilities near Houston, Texas to delineate the responsibilities and rights of each party in the research of new space propulsion technology known as the VASIMR engine.

Costa Rica News — Costa Rican Chang Allies with NASA

Former NASA Astronaut and CEO of Ad Astra, Franklin Chang Diaz inaugurated a branch of the private research facility outside of Liberia, Costa Rica on the EARTH University campus in 2006 to further study the possible applications of plasma on earth and in space. Their main focus, the VASIMR engine utilizes plasma as an energy source, would be used to propel objects into space in place of regular fuel-propelled chemical rockets which are heavier and much more costly.

Mike Coats represented NASA at the Monday meeting, which was also attended by Texas congressman Gene Green who applauded Chang’s efforts to inspire children by visiting educational centers to talk about his experience in the aerospace industry.

The first agreement between the two scientific entities was signed in June 2005 and led to the development of the propulsion technology. The new pact will allow for further sharing of information, and improved facilities in Costa Rica to study the plasma engine. There is no promise that NASA will purchase the technology in the future, but it is possible.

Engineers at Ad Astra in Costa Rica are currently testing the VASIMR engine in a giant vacuum that recreates the conditions of space.

Photo courtesy of Al Dia

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on December 11th, 2007