Nasa has selected a variety of companies to work on projects to create advanced space technologies, including faster methods of propulsion. Other projects to be worked on include improved habitats for humans, and small satellites to explore deep space. And one of the companies in the 12 Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextStep) says they have an engine that could get humans to Mars in just 39 days. Scroll down for video Nasa has selected a variety of companies to work on projects to create advanced space technologies, including a faster method of propulsion known as Vasimr (illustrated), which could apparently get to Mars in a matter of weeks, not monthsCompany in Texas has been asked to develop its revolutionary engineAd Astra's Vasimr engine could apparently get to Mars in 39 daysIt is one of 12 advanced technology projects to be funded by NasaOthers include new types of habitation and small deep space satellites
Whether an engine such as _ could shorten the time it would take to cover the distance, though, remains to be seen.