To date space propulsion is achieved by firing charged ions generated from a cathode plasma arc. Solar panels provide enough power to charge capacitors that deliver a surge of power to create a plasma arc from melting metals or any conductive material. These types of ion drives are small and light, suitable for inner space where solar power is efficient. Solar becomes less efficient the further from the Sun, so practically, Mars is the limit of these systems. Using solar power on the surface of Mars is problematic due to the wind and dust that dominates the planet.

Nuclear power is good for the running needs of space craft, on board, but not as a propellent for launching, travel or return. The weight and danger of these systems stopped research funding in favour of Solar. The result is no missions planned beyond Mars because we have no energy source to get there.

 A new concept is proposed by QR that utilises existing ion drive systems, powered by a QR battery. The QR battery can act as a source that supplies DC power continually, at least for several years without recharging. The technology accesses quantum energy from the vacuum of space through a proprietary design of fractal crystal nano particles. The energy in a vacuum is well known as zero-point energy, or fluctuations, meaning the ground state energy of the electromagnetic field. This is interpreted as the lowest state of activity of the EM field. By contrast, the Quantum field is very active, more active than found on earth. When unshackled by the dominate influence of EM, quantum becomes more accessible. The electrons in space (solar wind) move perpetually as they do on earth, and when given a suitable portal to be attracted, they undergo a process of compression and expansion that creates a minute environment of EM to react with. This occurs inside the QR battery with the result, a source of highly energetic electrons, transformed down to a useable current suitable to power the ion drives and the on-board electronics. Future habitats on Mars will use QR batteries for permanent power.

A comparison of QR battery source to existing nuclear thermo-electric generation will show a dramatic increase in safety over the nuclear device. The QR battery/generator has no moving parts, is light weight, uses commonly available materials, is non-toxic, and impact resistant. Plutonium sourced nuclear TEG devices are highly toxic, accidents pollute for thousands of years, very expensive to make with a huge carbon footprint.

 A typical charged ion propulsion drive unit is less than 20 centimetres cubed in size. A space craft will have a series of these units arranged, usually attached to wings of solar panels. The design now possible is for a 50-centimetre cubed size QR battery to power 32 ion drives each using 40W of current. The output of an ion drive can be increased with more power available.

The attraction and utilisation of electrons in the QR battery onboard a space craft, will not cause the craft to accumulate negative charges and risk mini lightning strikes that burn out electronics. All ion drives have neutralisers that discharge used electrons out into space, to avoid this potential danger. QR batteries are a closed system, with no emissions, so suitable for enclosed environments of space.