Space Propulsion

[Polaris]

I actually prefer the concept of the Ion-Drive over plasma propulsion and no, it's not really because of Star Wars...well maybe a little. I just feel it is more efficient and less risky...reducing mechanical failure is a must on especially long-term duration missions.

Ion Propulsion

Since plasma is nothing more than ions, isn't plasma propulsion same as ion drive?

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Let's see, FTL drive, better STL technology, shielding technology, artificial gravity, field dampeners, better weapon technology in case aliens aren't warm and fuzzy, better/cheaper spacesuits.. We are a so far away from even the most probable science fiction tv show or movie that it's embarrassing.

Don't get me started on the infinitesimal probability of any technological alien we encounter being susceptible to our "better" weapon technology.

UNiverse is 13 billion years old. The chance of a random technological alien species happen to be within the stage of technological development where they vulnerable to weapon technology that is within 5000 years (three millionth of the age of universe) of stone hand axe is...............

Plasma is an ionized version of particles yes, but it is close to a gaseous state and is thereby less stable than the system used in an ion-drive.

Plamsa is basically ionized gas. It is extremely unstable as fuel source...well not unstable, but hard to contain. If there is a failure of the magnetic containment field, the vessel is destroyed. Murphy's law has really been quite active in the space programs.

That being said, I do favor research into an even more unstable fuel source...anti-matter. Research into anti-matter is very limited due to it not being too common near matter and the fact that it would lead to devastation if there were only a few grams of it that made contact with normal matter.