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A fusion rocket is a theoretical design for a rocket driven by fusion propulsion that could provide efficient and sustained acceleration in space without the need to carry a large fuel supply. The design requires fusion power technology beyond current capabilities, and much larger and more complex rockets.
Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) is a conceptual, low radioactivity, nuclear-fusion rocket engine, designed to produce both thrust and electric power, suitable for interplanetary spacecraft. The concept is based on the Princeton field-reversed configuration reactor , invented in 2002 by Samuel A. Cohen.
A nuclear pulse drive starship powered by fusion-antimatter catalyzed nuclear pulse propulsion units would be similarly in the 10% range and pure Matter-antimatter annihilation rockets would be theoretically capable of obtaining a velocity between 50% and 80% of the speed of light. In each case saving fuel for slowing down halves the maximum speed.
A groundbreaking nuclear fusion rocket could slash the time it takes astronauts to travel to Mars in half.
The Lockheed Martin Compact Fusion Reactor (CFR) was a fusion power project at Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works. [1] Its high-beta configuration, which implies that the ratio of plasma pressure to magnetic pressure is greater than or equal to 1 (compared to tokamak designs' 0.05), allows a compact design and expedited development.
Proponents of Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) propulsion system say the drive could send us to Saturn's moon, Titan, in just 2 years. Here's how it works.
The primary application is for fusion power generation. The FRC is also considered for deep space exploration, not only as a possible nuclear energy source, but as means of accelerating a propellant to high levels of specific impulse (I sp) for electrically powered spaceships and fusion rockets, with interest expressed by NASA. [16] [17] [18 ...
Dennis Whyte, who headed MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center and is now at a commercial spinoff, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, said the NIF ignition had a gain (the ratio of power released to ...