Modular aneutronic fusion engine

Yosef Razin, Gary Pajer, Mary Breton, Eric Ham, Joseph Mueller, Michael Paluszek, A. H. Glasser, Samuel Cohen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A compact aneutronic fusion engine will enable more challenging exploration missions in the solar system. This engine uses a deuterium-helium-3 reaction to produce fusion energy by employing a novel field-reversed magnetic field configuration (FRC). The FRC has a simple linear solenoidal coil configuration yet generates higher plasma pressures for a given magnetic field than other designs. Waste heat generated from bremsstrahlung and synchrotron radiation is recycled to maintain the fusion temperature. The charged reaction products, augmented by additional propellant, are exhausted through a magnetic nozzle. As an example, we present a mission to deploy the James Webb Space Telescope from LEO to an L2 halo orbit using a one MW compact aneutronic fusion rocket engine. The engine produces 20 N of thrust with an exhaust velocity of 55 km/s and has a specific power of 0.77 kW/kg.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication63rd International Astronautical Congress 2012, IAC 2012
Pages7879-7888
Number of pages10
StatePublished - 2012
Event63rd International Astronautical Congress 2012, IAC 2012 - Naples, Italy
Duration: Oct 1 2012Oct 5 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC
Volume10
ISSN (Print)0074-1795

Conference

Conference63rd International Astronautical Congress 2012, IAC 2012
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityNaples
Period10/1/1210/5/12

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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