Abstract
Fusion propulsion for the exploration of the solar system is investigated. Minimum round-trip times for missions to Europa and Mars are given as a function of power/mass ratio. A preconceptual study of a spheromak-based, deuterium burning, fusion propulsion system is presented. The spheromak is sustained by inductive helicity injection with the diverted edge plasma becoming the rocket exhaust. Power/mass ratios of nearly 2 kW/kg appear possible, giving round-trip times of about 100 day for Mars and about one year for Europa. The vessel mass is 540 t not including fuel, a size suitable for human living. The I S P is optimized for a trip to Europa and a trip to Mars and was found to vary between 10,000 to 40,000 s.
Published Version
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