Fusion propulsion is inevitable if the human race remains dedicated to exploration of the solar system. There are fundamental reasons why fusion surpasses more traditional approaches to routine crewed missions to Mars, crewed missions to the outer planets, and deep space high speed robotic missions, assuming that reduced trip times, increased payloads, and higher available power are desired. A recent series of informal discussions were held among members from government, academia, and industry concerning fusion propulsion. We compiled a sufficient set of arguments for utilizing fusion in space. If the U.S. is to lead the effort and produce a working system in a reasonable amount of time, NASA must take the initiative, relying on, but not waiting for, DOE guidance. Arguments for fusion propulsion are presented, along with fusion enabled mission examples, fusion technology trade space, and a proposed outline for future efforts.
Future Directions for Fusion Propulsion Research at NASA
2005
10 pages
Report
No indication
English
Nuclear Propulsion , Space Technology , Space propulsion , Fusion reactors , Space exploration , Planets , Solar system , Payloads , Robotics , Mars environments , Space missions , Spacecraft power supplies , Propulsion system , Electric propulsion , Plasma confinement , Research program , NASA programs