Greg McCaskill
Papers
2
Total Citations
77
H-Index
2
About
Greg McCaskill is a leading experimentalist in advanced space propulsion, best known for his pivotal work on the Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMR). His research centers on high-power electric propulsion, plasma physics, and the development of next-generation thrusters capable of dramatically reducing travel times and propellant mass for deep-space missions. McCaskill’s most influential contribution is his landmark 2011 study on the VX-200 thruster, which demonstrated over 50% thruster efficiency at power levels exceeding 50 kW—a milestone that proved the viability of magnetoplasma propulsion for heavy-payload orbit raising and lunar cargo missions. This work, cited 56 times, remains a foundational reference in the field. Earlier, his 2008 measurements on the VX-100 showed 100% propellant utilization and ion fluxes of 1.7×10²⁰/s, establishing key performance benchmarks for high-power RF plasma acceleration. McCaskill’s experimental rigor and ability to translate theoretical plasma concepts into record-breaking hardware have made him a respected figure in the propulsion community. His achievements continue to inspire researchers working toward fast, efficient transport to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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