Case and Development Path for Fusion Propulsion

Abstract

This paper discusses the importance of fusion propulsion for interplanetary space travel, illustrates why the magnetoinertial fusion parameter space may facilitate the most rapid, economic path for development, justifies the choice of pulsed Z pinch, and provides a potential development path leading up to a technical readiness level 9 system. Round trips of less than one year to Mars are only possible using fusion propulsion systems. Such a system will require an onboard nuclear fission reactor for reliable startups, and so fission and fusion developments for space are mutually beneficial. The paper reviews the more than 50 year history of fusion research and summarizes results from a recent study of the fusion parameter space for terrestrial power, which suggests magnetoinertial fusion can provide the smallest, most economical approach for a fusion propulsion system. Emerging experimental data and theory show pulsed Z-pinch fusion solves some of the most deleterious instabilities and scales to fusion breakeven within reach of current pulsed power facilities. The paper illustrates a potential development path to a technical readiness level 9 flight system, starting from an assumed technical readiness level 2 for the current state of fusion propulsion.