Spheromak Fusion Propulsion for Future Solar System Exploration

Autor:	P. D. Jewell, T. Takeda, T. A. Mattick, A. A. Hwang, C. T. Tran, Thomas Jarboe, H. Kim, V.A. Izzo, K. M. Parker, W.T. Hamp, P. A. Melnick, P. Gu, P. E. Sieck, M. M. Craw
Rok vydání:	2005
Předmět:	Physics Solar System business.product_category Spheromak Mechanical Engineering Nuclear engineering Aerospace Engineering Mars Exploration Program Mass ratio Propulsion Astrobiology Fuel Technology Rocket Space and Planetary Science Saturn Field-reversed configuration business
Zdroj:	Journal of Propulsion and Power. 21:218-229
ISSN:	1533-3876 0748-4658
DOI:	10.2514/1.12085
Popis:	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.
Databáze:	OpenAIRE
Externí odkaz:	https://explore.openaire.eu/search/publication?articleId=doi_________::7ad2e8423c1739433bd4350910764b0e https://doi.org/10.2514/1.12085 Zobrazit plný text záznamu