Fusion Driven Rocket

The vehicle illustrated in this video is based on information from the NIAC report:

“The Fusion Driven Rocket: Nuclear Propulsion through Direct Conversion of Fusion Energy”

by John Slough (of MSNW LLC , Redmond, Washington)
Report Period: 9/10/2012 – 3/10/2015
Abstract: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20190001178
NASA/NIAC Report: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20190001178.pdf
Presentation: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/slough_niac_2014_fdr_v2_tagged.pdf

This direct-fusion propulsion system is based on investigations by MSNW LLC of Redmond WA, and the University of Washington.

Magneto-Inertial Fusion – a type of Magnetised Target Fusion (MTF) – is used to create a Field Reversed Configuration FRC plasmoid. Compression of the FRC plasmoid via magnetically imploded Lithium liners achieves a “fusion pulse” at an appropriate scale suitable for spacecraft propulsion. High velocity thrust is produced with an expected ISP of ~5000-sec and Jet Power of 36MW.

Low mass Lithium metal foil liners are inductively driven to converge and form a metal blanket, a shell around the (FRC) plasmoid target, which is then compressed magnetically to attain fusion conditions. The resulting fusion reaction instantly vaporises and ionises the metal shell. Hot, ionised metal exhaust expands through the magnetically insulated nozzle to produce high thrust.

The system’s inherent thermal efficiency reduces the need for large radiators to handle waste heat and energy. It is assumed that initially the FDR will employ solar panels for house keeping power, however eventually it would be derived directly from nozzle flux compression.

Mission Architecture Goals
• 90-day Transit times to and from Mars
• Adequate stay time (30+ days)
• Single launch (130 MT IMLEO)
• No pre-deployed assets
• DRA 5 Payload mass (63 MT)
• Full propulsive MOI & EOI
• Reusable spacecraft

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CREDITS
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Original 3D Models and Animation:
© fragomatik 2020 All Rights Reserved.
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ISS-40 image of Greece and Turkey:
NASA Photo ID ISS040-E-098804
https://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/SearchPhotos/photo.pl?mission=ISS040&roll=E&frame=098804

This file is in the public domain in the United States because it was created by the Image Science & Analysis

Laboratory, of the NASA Johnson Space Centre.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ISS-40_Greece_and_Turkey.jpg

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/
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Music:
“Restless_Natives” by Doug Maxwell- Media Right Productions
Courtesy YouTube Audio Library

Sound FX:
Soundbible.com
Geiger Counter – http://soundbible.com/42-Geiger-Counter.html
https://www.youtube.com/user/freesoundclips