Neumann Drive one cheap alternative to Ion Drive ?

[Michel Van]

the Neumann drive
is patented Centre-Triggered Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (CTPCAT)
that convert solid fuel rod into plasma and thrust
however CTPCAT can use cheaper metal for high ISP and thrust as Xenon gas fuel ion engine
like Aluminum or molybdenum, but also carbon or silicon

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFtwrP1lrJQ


Home page
https://neumannspace.com/

 

[Dilandu]

Seems to be a well-known solution?

 

[Seragina]

For satellites perhaps, not for anything big or anything require high thrust that is. I don't really like how many of these types waste valueable elements as propellant. It's fine for a few but once mass production starts....

Plasma is the only replacement solution (in whatever form or specific tech).