Andrew Ilin
Papers
2
Total Citations
78
H-Index
2
About
Andrew Ilin is a leading figure in advanced electric propulsion, whose work is pushing the boundaries of fast, efficient space travel. His primary research focuses on high-power plasma thrusters, specifically the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR), and the mission architectures they enable. Ilin’s seminal 2011 paper on the VX-200 thruster, with 56 citations, demonstrated a breakthrough by exceeding 50% thruster efficiency, a critical milestone proving the viability of high-power magnetoplasma propulsion for heavy-lift cargo missions to the Moon and near-Earth asteroids. Complementing this hardware achievement, his influential 2010 study on "Fast Transits to Mars" (22 citations) provided the foundational trajectory analysis showing how such electric propulsion systems could dramatically reduce trip times for crewed Mars missions compared to conventional chemical rockets. By bridging the gap between plasma physics and practical mission design, Ilin has established himself as a key architect of next-generation, high-efficiency space transportation, directly enabling faster, more cost-effective access to the inner solar system.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2Fast Transits to Mars Using Electric Propulsion22 citations · 2010