Is this research tied in with VASIMR in any way?
These two lines caught my attention:
"The test involved the largest microwave ion thruster ever built. The use of microwaves for ionization would enable very long-life thrusters for probing the universe,"
"The HiPEP ion engine was operated at power levels up to 12 kilowatts and over an equivalent range of exhaust velocities from 60,000 to 80,000 meters per second."
It uses microwaves to ionize the propellant and the exhaust was controllable. VASIMR has similar characteristics. Is there any connection?