It's name is VASIMR, and when it comes to propulsion, it's not playing around. According to a recent article on Space.com, this engine could possibly have what it takes to support a manned mission from Earth to Mars in only 40 days.

Depending on orbital positioning, the distance between Earth and Mars varies between 36 million and 250 million miles -- so covering even the shorter distance would be no small feat. Space.com reports that while VASIMR's current prototype lacks the required 200 megawatt power source for such a trip, scientists are coming up with concepts that could boost the engine's output to the levels needed to undertake the mission in the future.

VASIMR's developers are rumored to be discussing launching the technology to the ISS with several private spaceflight providers.

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